A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder adds to growing concerns that one of the Rocky Mountains’ most iconic species — the American pika — may be disappearing as a result of climate change.
Pikas are small, fluffy, mountain-dwelling mammals that live in talus — or slopes of broken rocks — above the tree line. The beloved creatures are known for greeting hikers in the Colorado High Country with loud squeaks.
“They’re so conspicuous. When we’re out in the mountains hiking, we hear pika calls, and it really enriches our experience,” said Chris Ray, the lead author of the study. “We don’t want to see them disappear from the landscape.”…