Pika Stamps (North American Wildlife Series, Multicolored) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Part of the North American Wildlife series, this vintage postage stamp showcases the Pika, a small, herbivorous mammal native to the mountainous regions of North America. The stamp’s artwork captures the pika in its natural rocky habitat, highlighting its distinctive round ears and short limbs. This unused 22-cent gummed stamp celebrates the North American continent's rich biodiversity, showcasing the pika in its typical environment, emphasizing the importance of habitat in wildlife conservation. 

Pikas (Ochotona princeps) are found in the rocky, alpine regions of North America, particularly in the western United States and Canada. They are known for their high-pitched calls and for collecting and storing plant material in rock crevices to prepare for winter.

The North American Pika holds deep spiritual symbolism related to preparation, adaptability, resilience, and the power of community. This small, yet industrious mammal is often associated with foresight, the importance of building and storing for the future, and embracing the need for balance between action and rest. Pikas are often found in high-altitude, rocky environments, where they demonstrate their strength and resourcefulness in navigating harsh conditions. Pikas are known for collecting and storing plant material to prepare for winter, embodying the themes of foresight and preparedness. Spiritually, the pika encourages us to prepare for the future by gathering what we need in times of abundance, so we are ready when the difficult moments come. The pika reminds us that small, steady actions can have a big impact over time. The Pika spirit is a reminder to prepare wisely, stay resilient, and embrace cooperation and balance in all aspects of your life. It encourages you to adapt to life’s changes and to approach the challenges of your journey with patience and grace. 

This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. This means that the stamps required licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces.

On June 13, 1987, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the North American Wildlife postage stamp series, a commemorative sheet featuring 50 different gummed 22-cent stamps. This release celebrated the rich diversity of North American fauna, showcasing species from various regions, including Alaska and Hawaii. Renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper illustrated the series, capturing the essence of each species with remarkable accuracy and detail. The stamps not only highlight the animals but also incorporate elements of their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation. USPS and The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) originally hoped to represent the State Animal of all 50 states. However, many states do not have a State Animal or share a State Animal with another state. Instead, USPS and CSAC opted to include avifauna, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates from across the continent. Notably, the First Day of Issue ceremony took place at the Canadian Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX) in Toronto, Canada, marking the third time a U.S. stamp issue had its inaugural event outside the United States. The North American Wildlife stamp series remains a favorite among collectors and nature enthusiasts, serving as a vivid reminder of the continent's rich and varied wildlife heritage.

These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly suitable for use as current postage for mailing with USPS, as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing.