Meet The Animal That 'Yells' At Hikers
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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The American pika is the animal that yells or squeaks at hikers, especially in the western United States.
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They are found in rocky slopes and alpine meadows in western North America, making them a common encounter for hikers in these areas.
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They are known for their loud, sharp calls or squeaks that serve as alarm calls to warn other pikas and their territory.
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They are curious and may "yell" at hikers as a form of territorial warning, but are not typically aggressive.
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Pikas are small, round animals with a dense coat of fur, round ears, and no visible tail, resembling a mix between a rabbit and a mouse.
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They do not hibernate. Instead, they spend the summer gathering and drying plants to store in "hay piles" for food during the winter.
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They are busy and quick, often seen scurrying across the rocks to gather food.
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Pikas are small, typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length, and weigh only about 6 ounces (170 grams).
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