Become a Pika Protector: Oregon Zoo Calls on Adventurers to Track Elusive Mountain Cuties

Join the Mission to Save One of the Northwest’s Most Adorable (and Climate-Threatened) Creatures

The Oregon Zoo is recruiting outdoor enthusiasts for a unique conservation project—tracking the charismatic yet vulnerable American pika in the Columbia River Gorge. These pint-sized, rabbit-relatives with oversized ears and squeaky calls are facing growing threats from climate change, and scientists need your help to monitor their populations.

Why Pikas Need Your Help

Pikas, often called "nature's alarm clock" for their high-pitched calls, are perfectly adapted to cold mountain climates. But as temperatures rise:

• Habitat loss: Pikas can die from heat exposure at just 78°F, forcing them higher up mountains.
• Shorter winters: Reduced snowpack leaves them vulnerable to sudden cold snaps.
• Food shortages: Their "haypile" food stores are withering earlier in the season.

How to Become a Pika Watcher

1. Train online: Learn to identify pika calls and haypile signs through free Zoom sessions.
2. Choose your adventure: Survey assigned trails in the Gorge between July-September.
3. Document findings: Record sightings via the Oregon Zoo’s easy-to-use app.

What Makes This Experience Special?

"Pikas are climate change icons," says Dr. Tara Chestnut, Zoo conservation biologist. "Volunteers get front-row seats to alpine ecosystems while collecting data that could shape protection policies." Success stories include last year’s discovery of a new pika population near Dog Mountain—proof that citizen science works.

Pro Tips for Aspiring Pika Spotters

• Listen for their distinctive "Eeep!" call near rock slides.
• Bring binoculars—they’re masters of camouflage among boulders.
• Morning hikes yield the most activity before temperatures peak.

What Do You Think?

• Should climate-threatened species like pikas get priority over more abundant wildlife for conservation funding?
• Is citizen science truly reliable for critical ecological research?
• Would you sacrifice popular hiking trails to protect sensitive species habitats?
• Are zoos the right institutions to lead wild species conservation efforts?