At first glance, Craters of the Moon seems a lifeless place. The young lava flows and cinder cones are indeed inhospitable. During summer as little as one inch of rain may fall. This moisture drains quickly into the porous rock and out of reach of animals. Despite the harsh conditions, many creatures eke out a living here.
Animals escape the summer heat in different ways.
Most, like the mountain lion, venture forth in search of food only at night. Others, like the pika, are active at dusk and dawn. Those that are out during the day often seek shelter in the hottest hours. Marmots take more extreme measures to escape heat. They enter a state of suspended animation called estivation, during which their metabolism and body temperature drop.