With lofty spirit, the Pika survives year-round in the alpine ecosystem. Tiny balls of fur about 7-8 inches in length, the Pika is often heard before seen – Eeeeeeep! The big, operatic, high-pitched call reverberates off the rock faces, talus, and cliffs the pika calls home. They scamper across talus rocks with ease, scurrying in and out of pockets between the rocks. In summer, you can find them busily transporting mouthfuls of mountain meadow vegetation to little caves in the rock, creating a ‘haystack’ larder for the harsh winter months. I positioned the pika boldly on top of a lichen covered rock. A symbol of how a tiny creature can be so beautiful and bold, victoriously existing in the tough alpine terrain.