Why Does a Pika Make a Pile of Hay?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does a pika make a pile of hay?

The Big Idea

A pika makes a pile of hay because it cannot sleep through the winter! A pika is a small, round relative of rabbits that lives among rocks high on mountains. So it stores its own food, and it stores it early.

No Long Sleep

Step one: no long sleep. Some mountain animals sleep all winter, but a pika stays awake. That means it needs food even when snow covers the ground.

Gather Grass

Step two: gather and dry. All summer long, the pika picks mouthfuls of grass and flowers. It spreads them out to dry in the sun, so they do not rot, and then stacks them into haypiles.

Winter Snacks

Step three: winter meals. When snow arrives, the pika eats from its pile, tucked safe among the rocks. Pikas also squeak loudly to warn their neighbors of danger.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A pika is small and round, with little round ears. It lives among piles of rocks high up on mountains. It stacks its dried grass in a haypile. And it squeaks loudly to warn others.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Pikas get too hot easily, so they like cool mountain rocks. Even a warm summer day can be uncomfortable for them. That is why scientists watch pikas to learn about changing mountain weather. It is a tiny animal with a big job!

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Collect handfuls of dry grass or leaves outdoors, only from the ground. Pile them in a corner of your yard, like a pika's haypile. Check the pile after a few days. Which parts stay dry, and which parts get damp?

Outro

A pika stacks haypiles because it stays awake all winter. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!