During the fall, it gathers food to survive the winter in its burrow. October 5.
The Ezo pika is a near-threatened species that inhabits only the mountainous regions of Hokkaido. Recently, however, pikas have been spotted preparing for winter by storing food in the rocky areas near Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi Town.
A Survivor of the Ice Age
On the morning of October 5, one pika was seen darting across the rocks, eating leaves, and letting out a sharp "chirp." Measuring about 15 centimeters in length, this animal is often referred to as a survivor of the Ice Age.
A 74-year-old woman from Nagano City, who has visited the area several times, remarked, "They're adorable no matter how many times I see them, and they remind me of the earth's long history."
Another woman, visiting from Chitose City in Hokkaido, said, "I’m so glad I was lucky enough to see one," her face lighting up with joy.
Preparing for Winter
Pikas do not hibernate. Instead, they gather food throughout the fall and spend the winter in their burrows. According to the Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center, sightings of the pika have been fewer than usual this year, though the reason remains unclear.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
