Walkin' Jim Stoltz Tells His Pika Story at Pika Works

My first pika encounters were on a coast to coast backcountry walk across North America back in ''75 and ''76. I got into the mountains of Montana and several times heard the "squeak toy" sound on various mountains, but never caught a glimpse of them. It wasn't until one day in mid-June, high atop snowy Scapegoat Mountain, that I heard that strange sound again. This time I saw the creature who made it. I was thrilled and curious, amazed and charmed. Here was this cute little thing living way up on the very top of this rocky peak, exposed to the wind and storms, and thriving. I have been a pika fan ever since.

My walks have led me many miles since that time, and I've spent many an hour watching pikas in various mountain ranges. They constantly amaze me. Most are very shy of people, but on occasion I've come upon an individual who has no fear and plays at my feet listening to my one-sided conversation. I sing and show pictures of pikas in my school concerts all around the U.S. and they are an instant hit. There is something about their personalities that appeals to everyone. I also have some wonderful pika footage on my kid's video, Come Walk With Me, taken by photographer, Ron Shade. Folks love seeing those secretive, busy little beings!

I've only seen them in the winter once. They do not hibernate and spend their winter days under the snow. Most of the time. One winter, my wife and I skied up to the top of Red Mountain in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. It was a glorious winter day and we could see for miles. As we sat atop the big cornice of snow, I was surprised to see a pika pop up out of a little hole in the snowbank. She looked around, saw us, gave a squeak, and popped out of sight.

The most unusual sighting was here in the Spanish Peaks of Montana. We were climbing up a steep gully surrounded by jagged cliffs. Mountain goats scrambled along the peaks to the left of us. Bighorn sheep stood out on the ridge to the right of us. And right overhead were two golden eagles. They swooped and dove, and as we watched we realized that they were playing with something. One would catch it in mid-air and then take it high above the other and drop it. The other eagle would dive and roll, catching it in its talons. This went on for some time until they finally dropped it. The little ball of fur tumbled down near us. We were surprised to find it was a pika. Eagles, playing with their food!

My nephews love my song about pikas. We took them hiking when they came out west, hoping we'd see a pika. We came to a talus slope and walked over to it. I knew there just had to be pikas around here somewhere. We sat still and listened. And waited. Sure enough, after a few minutes we heard the familiar call. I can't tell you how glad it made me to see those kids light up!!

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