Pikas are one of the first species to feel the effects of a warming climate — and the Colorado Pika Project is working to document exactly that. Through community scientists across Colorado, they're building long-term population data that helps researchers, land managers, and the public understand what's at stake in our own backyard. With continued monitoring and growing awareness, the hope is that these small but mighty creatures never find themselves on the endangered species list.

I originally volunteered when I first moved to CO but unfortunately only got to survey one site as I ended up getting a sprained MCL on another hike I was doing. I plan to pick this effort back up in 2026 so all stats will be going forward from then.

Want to be part of the effort? There are two ways to get involved with the Colorado Pika Project. You can become a Pika Patroller by attending a field training session and surveying one of their nearly 200 long-term monitoring sites across the Front Range, Rocky Mountain National Park, and White River National Forest — surveys run July 15th through early October. Prefer something more flexible? Download the free Pika Patrol app (Apple & Android) and log pika observations anywhere in the mountains, no training required. Visit pikapartners.org to sign up or learn more.

Please note: I am a volunteer with the Colorado Pika Project and share this information on my own accord. I have no affiliation with or promotional relationship to the organization.

• Stats are updated at the beginning of each month.

• Began tracking stats officially July 2026.