In the wake of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, conservationists were relieved to learn that one of the Columbia Gorge’s fluffiest residents — the American pika — was still squeaking by.  The Oregon Zoo says recent surveys show the tiny animals are making a strong comeback from the fire.  Pikas are potato-sized rabbit relatives known for their distinctive, squeak-toy-like calls, and typically live on mountain slopes at elevations above 6,000 feet, but a somewhat anomalous low-elevation population is living in the Columbia Gorge.  Over the past five years, biologists have been especially eager to track how pikas are faring in those areas most affected by the Eagle Creek fire.  This year, Cascade Pika Watch volunteers reported pikas at 23 out of 31 sites surveyed, an increase of more than 50% since 2018.  In addition to the reported increase in pikas reported this year, Cascades Pika Watch benefitted from a record number of volunteers: 168 trained citizen scientists spent 1,620 hours searching for the tiny mammals, and the effort will continue next year.