Quite a find 🕵️
While hiking in Telluride, Colorado, college student Margaret Mabry stumbled upon an unexpected delight—a group of small, furry creatures that were so irresistibly cute she dubbed them “mountain hamsters.”
Curious but unsure of their true identity, Mabry turned to TikTok, sharing a video and asking her followers to help solve the mystery.
Viewers quickly offered clues. Mabry described how these “mountain hamsters” darted in and out of rocky crevices, emitted high-pitched squeaks, and carried plants in their mouths.
Given the specific details and the Colorado location, it became clear that the animals were not hamsters but American pikas.
Encountering a pika in its natural habitat is a rare and special experience. These animals are known for their unique habit of gathering and storing “bouquets” of flowers during the summer to survive the winter, which explains why Mabry saw them with plants.
Unfortunately, the future of pikas is uncertain. They are highly sensitive to temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and as climate change progresses, their habitats are shrinking.
However, there’s still hope—American pikas are not yet classified as endangered, and conservationists are actively working to preserve their populations. Mabry’s TikTok could even contribute to these efforts.
One commenter suggested that Colorado Parks and Wildlife might be interested in learning about the thriving pika population in that area, as it could aid in tracking and conservation.
Through her video, Mabry not only sparked curiosity but also raised awareness about pikas, a species many may not have known about.
With luck, future generations will continue to have the chance to encounter these charming creatures in the wild.