Today, we're introducing the pika. This creature lives in the cool mountainous areas of Hokkaido, such as the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the Tokachi region. About the size of a fist, it prefers to live in rocky areas known as 'gareba' or scree slopes.

And just like that, it's there

Sometimes they appear up close

The best time to encounter them in the mountains is from when the snow melts until it begins to fall again. During the day, you're most likely to spot them in the morning.

An early morning encounter

However, finding a tiny pika in a vast, rugged scree slope can be a challenge. What gives them away is their distinctive, high-pitched 'peep!' sound. If you follow their call, you might find one right here.

From the shadow of a rock

I especially love observing them in the fall. There's a special charm in the contrast between the pikas and the mountains painted in yellow and orange.

As winter approaches, snow begins to fall in the mountains first. A little bit of snow is no problem for them.

Pikas thrive in cool environments. When you head into the mountains seeking both pikas and cool air, make sure you are properly equipped for hiking.

Even as you read this, a pika is surely scurrying across a scree slope somewhere.