American Pika (Ochotona princeps) in Craters of the Moon

Pika are typically found in high elevation rock screes in the Cascades and Rockies. Members of the rabbit family (believe it or not), they have adapted to a completely different life style than their rabbit cousins.


Pikas at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho are different in size, color, and behavior than their mountain cousins. The elevation is lower than their typical habitat, but they thrive here. They are also much darker and smaller than mountain pika. During the warmest summer months, they are most active at dawn and at dusk rather than during the day as are their mountain relatives. Here they make their home in the lava fields using the broken lava for shelter.



american pika (ochotona princeps) calling



american pika (ochotona princeps)



american pika (ochotona princeps)



american pika (ochotona princeps) in lava flow