Photographer Captures Adorable Japanese Pika With Its Tongue Sticking Out

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

Wildlife photographer Takashi Okashi explores Japan’s forests, islands, and mountains to capture some of the most endearing animals in their natural habitats. His photos feature adorable baby foxes, playful chipmunks, and even flying squirrels in their sweetest, most candid moments. In one of his latest shots, he managed to capture a Japanese pika with its tiny tongue sticking out.

The pika was photographed in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands. The tiny creature—with an average body length of 12.5-18.5 centimeters (4.9-7.3 inches)—is known for busily gathering plants, grasses, leaves, and flowers which they then store under rocks and eventually feed on during winter. Okashi captured an absolutely adorable moment of the little pika poking its tongue out to clean its fur, perhaps after a tasty meal of wildflowers.

Pikas are believed to have been living in Hokkaido’s mountainous areas since the end of the Ice Age and are often referred to as “Ice Age survivors” or “living fossils.” Pikas prefer cool climates, but as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, their habitat is unfortunately under threat. The Ministry of the Environment has even classified the Northern Pika as a “near-threatened” species.

Okashi’s photos play a vital role in documenting this resilient species and highlighting the importance of protecting its habitat. Explore more photos of the pika below, along with other adorable snapshots of Japan’s wildlife. If you love these photos, you can follow Takashi Okashi on Instagram for more.

Wildlife photographer Takashi Okashi recently captured several images of the adorable pika, a rabbit-like creature native to Hokkaido, Japan.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

The furry creature is known for busily gathering plants, grasses, leaves, and flowers which they then store under rocks and eventually feed on during winter.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

Okashi’s portfolio also features images of adorable baby foxes, inquisitive ermines, flying squirrels, and more in their sweetest, most candid moments.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by takashi (@takashi_okashi)

Takashi Okashi: Instagram

Related Articles:

Finalists of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Awards Will Leave You Laughing

Adorable Baby Foxes Find a GoPro and Capture Footage of Themselves Playing

Magical Images of Fireflies Lighting up Japan’s Forests at Night

Related Posts

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent Stories