News Discussion

Ezo Pika Gets Ready for Winter in Hokkaido

The Ezo pika is a near-threatened species that inhabits only the mountainous regions of Hokkaido. Recently, however, pikas have been spotted preparing for winter by storing food in the rocky areas near Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi Town.

On the morning of October 5, one pika was seen darting across the rocks, eating leaves, and letting out a sharp "chirp." Measuring about 15 centimeters in length, this animal is often referred to as a survivor of the Ice Age.

A 74-year-old woman from Nagano City, who has visited the area several times, remarked, "They're adorable no matter how many times I see them, and they remind me of the earth's long history."

Another woman, visiting from Chitose City in Hokkaido, said, "I’m so glad I was lucky enough to see one," her face lighting up with joy.

Pikas do not hibernate. Instead, they gather food throughout the fall and spend the winter in their burrows. According to the Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center, sightings of the pika have been fewer than usual this year, though the reason remains unclear.

1. 1. near-threatened　準絶滅危惧の
   The sea turtles in this region are classified as near-threatened.
2. 2. be referred to as　～といわれている・呼ばれている、～としてみなされている
   The aloe vera plant is referred to as a healing herb in some cultures.
3. 3. no matter how　どんなに～しても、どんなに～であろうとも、たとえいかに～であっても
   No matter how much you study, there’s always more to learn.
4. 4. instead　その代わり、それよりむしろ、それどころか
   She didn’t buy anything for her father's birthday. Instead, she drew a picture of him.
5. 5. remain　（状態などが変化せず）～のままである、（ある場所に）とどまる・滞在する、未処理のことなどが）残っている
   The temperature will remain stable throughout the week.

1. 1. Where have Ezo pikas been spotted gathering food recently?
2. 2. How do Ezo pikas prepare for winter if they do not hibernate?
3. 3. Can you name any other endangered or near-threatened animals?
4. 4. What do you enjoy most about nature and wildlife?
5. 5. If you could visit any natural place to observe wildlife, where would you go?

北海道の山岳地帯にだけ生息する準絶滅危惧種のエゾナキウサギが、冬を前に食料をため込もうと、鹿追町の然別湖近くの岩場で貴重な姿を見せている。5日午前は1匹が岩の上を素早く動き回りながら、木の葉を食べ、1度「ピチッ」と甲高い鳴き声を響かせた。

体長は15センチほどで「氷河期の生き残り」とも呼ばれる。数回この場所を訪れているという長野市の無職の女性（74）は「何度見てもかわいらしいし、地球の歴史も感じさせてくれる」と話し、北海道千歳市から来た女性は「運良く見られてよかった」と顔をほころばせた。

冬眠はせず、秋の間に餌を集め巣穴で冬を越す。「然別湖ネイチャーセンター」によると、原因は不明だが、今年は例年と比べて目撃が少ないという。