Climate change is threatening the habitat of the pika, a tiny, furry rabbit-related mammal, and if listed as endangered next year, it could be the first mammal in the lower 48 states to receive protection due to global warming. Unfortunately, the polar bear was not as lucky this time around, but maybe Ken Salazar won’t be as intimidated by the pika.  The clever and adorable pika reside in the cold, mountains and foothills of the Western U.S., but as those areas have warmed, the animals are forced to retreat to higher elevations where this less living space and fewer tasty wildflowers to eat.  Just look at these little critters, how could you not want to protect them:

Let’s hope the pika receive protection, along with the polar bears, and that big steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so we don’t force any other retreats (habitats, ice shelves, or otherwise).