Don't you just want to put it in your pocket and take it home with you?

This was the first time I had ever seen a Pika - unless I saw one 30+ years ago. This wonderful opportunity was thanks to Phil and Jan, who so kindly invited me to go with them on 27 June 2012 to Kananaskis! This little animal, 6-9" long, was photographed near the start of the Rock Glacier Trail, along Highway 40. This trail is just north of Highwood Pass, which lies at 2,227 metres (7,310'), and is on the low lying slopes of Mount Rae. We saw two of them, running all over the dark brown scree (loose rocks) that had a thin layer of fresh snow over it. Very definitely not the easiest of surfaces to walk on, but it was worth every cautious step. In this image, the Pika has its round ears flattened against its head, but they look even cuter when their little ears stick out : )

Shortly before stopping at the Rock Glacier Trail, we had spent time at Highwood House on Highway 40, to see the beautiful, tiny Hummingbirds that visit the Hummingbird feeders that the owners of Highwood House place around the building. Nice to see another friend, Rob and his wife, out there, too. Thanks, Phil and Jan, for this most enjoyable day!

www.conservenature.org/learn_about_wildlife/rocky_mountai...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pika