Wildlife

Wildlife in Snowmass Village

Snowmass Village and the surrounding wilderness is home to a variety of animals including, but not limited to, black bear, elk, moose, mule deer, porcupine, raccoon, coyote, beaver, skunk, badger, bobcat, mountain lion, and red fox.

Avoiding Wildlife Conflicts

In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. When observing wildlife, if you change an animal’s natural behavior, you are too close. Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur because people fail to leave animals alone. Leave newborn wildlife alone; a parent will return.

The following wildlife tips should help foster a community culture of safety and mutual respect.

  • Never feed wildlife. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of problems.
  • Feeding wildlife is illegal
  • Wildlife should not be chased, harassed, captured, or domesticated, all of which is illegal
  • Keep all pet food and refuse in a wildlife-resistant metal container, or locked within the home or garage
  • Keep lower-level windows and doors locked when you are not home
  • Birdfeeders are a major bear attractant. Feed birds only in winter when bears are hibernating.
  • Use wildlife-resistant refuse containers (PDF). Snowmass Village laws do not allow POLY PLASTIC containers.
  • Clean barbeque grills after each use

Trail Closures

Respect seasonal trail closures. Closures are enforced by Animal Services to protect sensitive habitats. Wildlife cameras are in use and citations can be issued.

Seasonal Wildlife Closure Areas

Snowmass Village Animal Services enforces trail closures enacted to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. Per Section 10-29: Seasonal Trail Closures of the TOSV Municipal Code, it is unlawful of any persons to use by any means the following trails during wildlife sensitive periods, as follows:

  • Anaerobic Nightmare Trail: April 25 through June 27 (opens 28th)
  • Sequel Trail: April 25 through June 20 (opens 21st)
  • Tom Blake Trail: April 25 through June 20 (opens 21st)
  • Government Trail east of Elk Camp Work Road: May 15 through June 27 (opens June 28th)
  • Rim Trail North: December 1 through May 15 (opens May 16th)
  • Seven Star Trail: December 1 through May 15 (opens May 16th)
  • Upper North Mesa Equestrian Trail: December 1 through May 15th (opens May 16th)
  • Viewline/Deadline: December 1 through May 15 (opens May 16th)
  • Review our wildlife area closures map to view these areas in our GIS portal.

Enforcement

Trail closures are strictly enforced by Snowmass Village Animal Services, in partnership with Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Wildlife monitoring cameras are in use in closed areas.

There is a zero-tolerance policy for trail closure violations and fines can reach up to $5,000. 

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Wildlife Information for New Homeowners 

Welcome to Snowmass Village! New residents should review this Wildlife Information for New Residents (PDF) information sheet to familiarize themselves with the Town's rules regarding wildlife.

Snowmass Village Animal Services

For wildlife questions, call 970-923-5330 or email Animal Services.