PIKA 



Because of the protective coloration of these animals, they 

 are not easily discovered unless on the move. When a person 

 approaches slide-rock where Pikas dwell, he may be greeted 

 by the peculiar squeaking "bleat," a call that baffles descrip- 

 tion, but which is so distinctive that, once heard, it may 

 never be forgotten. This call is clear, penetrating, and seems 

 to possess a ventriloquistic property, for one can hear the 

 Pika call again and again and decide upon a different location 

 for the animal at each utterance. Perhaps some of this 

 elusive diffusion of the sound is due to the Pika's habit of 

 calling from under the rocks, although if the little fellow 

 has not been alarmed he may be calling from some point in 

 plain and obvious sight. 



The most evident proof that Pikas are living about a rock- 

 pile is the "hay" stacked under the rocks or against the side 

 of some large stone. These "hay" piles may be numerous 

 and the grasses and foliage in them of varying stages of 

 "cure," from fresh, wilted green cuttings to dry and yellow 

 "hay." The size of the pile is also variable and occasionally 

 a great mass of vegetation, representing many hours of 

 industry, is found. Plate XXXVIII. 



If an observer remains quietly near a rock-pile, the Pikas 

 soon come out from their hidden recesses and make their 

 noiseless way over the rocks. Their furry little feet never 

 betray their movements and the animals run soundlessly 

 over the fallen rocks where footing for most four-footed 

 creatures is extremely precarious. 



Pikas are active throughout the day and may be seen at 

 most any time. There is evidence to show that they may, on 

 occasion at least, move about at night, possibly to move a 

 harvest that is threatened by approaching storms. 



The young vary from three to five, usually three or four in 

 number, and are born from late May or early June to early 

 September. 



Family Leporidse. Hares and Rabbits 



Size medium to large for the Order Lagomorpha; feet digiti- 

 grade; hind legs elongate; ears large to very large; tail short; 

 clavicle reduced. 



477 



