Brush rabbit or Western brush rabbitLeporidae (Rabbit and Hare Family)Range: Western coastal regions of North America, from Columbia River, Oregon to tip of Baja, MexicoThis one was photographed at the extreme northern part of its range in Portland, Oregon.
After briefly snacking on some grass blades, this American pika (Ochotona princeps princeps) with the remaining blades in its mouth headed back towards its well-stocked haystack that will ultimately be the key to surviving the winter season. And after having already endured an early fall snowstorm, it was keenly aware that time was running out. This pika was literally within a few feet of where I was standing, i.e. this picture was not taken with a zoom lens.Sept 28, 2016, Brighton area, approx. 9000 ft elev.