How the Collared Pika Prepares For Winter _ Wild Alaska _ BBC Earth

Sunlight brings a flush of new greenery to the forest floor. These plant pioneers now have full access to the endless summer sunshine. Fireweed is the first to stake its claim. It flowers through the hazy days and Alaskans call it summer's timekeeper. The flowers unfold from the bottom of the plant. When they reach the top, that's the end of summer. It's a warning that despite the summer heat, the first snows of winter are only weeks away. High up in the Talkeetna Mountains, there's one Alaskan who's already prepared. The collared piker. He's spent his entire summer hard at work. When the winter comes, his favorite grasses and sedges will be buried under the snow. But he's not worried. He's been saving food for the lean months ahead. Hidden among the rocks is his winter larder. He's carefully positioned it to catch the sun's rays, which dry and cure his supply. Half a meter wide and 30 centimeters deep, this haystack is his survival rations. He's chosen the contents meticulously. He's picked some toxic plants. These will decompose slower and keep food for eating fresher for longer. Like all Alaskans, he knows that winter preparations start early. And you have to make the most of summer's bounty. The sun is getting lower. Summer is drawing to a close.