Pika, << PY kuh, >> is a small, furry animal that lives in Asia, Europe, and western North America. Pikas belong to the same animal order as hares and rabbits, but they look much more like guinea pigs.
The American pika, also called cony, conie, little chief hare, or calling hare, is about 7 inches (18 centimeters) long with a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) tail. Its coat is grayish-brown on the back and white or light brown on the underside. American pikas live among loose rock on mountainsides, above the timber line (highest area where trees can grow). Pikas eat plants and spend much time collecting food for winter. The animals often live in large groups called colonies. They give loud, squeaking calls to warn others of such predators (hunting animals) as eagles and weasels.
