Photo 74733, (c) JOAN HOLZER, all rights reserved

Attribution © JOAN HOLZER
all rights reserved
Uploaded by joanholzer joanholzer
Source Flickr
Original http://www.flickr.com/photos/42584855@N04/6497810055
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

American Pika (Ochotona princeps)

Observer

joanholzer

Date

September 16, 2011 04:19 PM MDT

Description

American pika - taken at Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Rd in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Like the marmot the pika uses its call to warn other pikas of a predator or intruder.
Covered year-round in heavy fur, pikas are highly susceptible to overheating. When temperatures climb above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, they can die within hours. As global temperatures rise, pikas are forced to migrate to higher, cooler elevations to survive. However, even the tallest mountains have peaks, and these resourceful rock rabbits may soon run out of habitat if global warming trends continue.
UPDATE 3/3/2012: I don't know why these coordinates fall where they do on the map - the coordinates are Latitude: N 40̊ 24' 1"
Longitude: W 105̊ 39' 48.9"
which is on Trail Ridge Rd at Rainbow Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park...

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