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.

Updated 2024 Town of Snowmass Village Wildlife Code Ordinance

Avoiding Wildlife Conflicts

In most situations, people and wildlife can coexist. When observing wildlife, you are too close if you change an animal’s natural behavior. 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.

  • When viewing wildlife, follow the rule of thumb! With your arm fully extended, you should be able to cover the entire animal with your thumb
  • Never feed wildlife. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is a major cause of problems and is against the law
  • Leave newborn wildlife alone, a parent will return
  • Never approach or handle wildlife to avoid disease transmission
  • Wildlife should not be chased, harassed, captured, or domesticated
  • Keep your dog under your control- familiarize yourself with the leash laws in Snowmass Village 
  • Always supervise your pets when outside your home
  • If your pet has had contact with a wild animal, notify Snowmass Village Animal Services and your veterinarian. Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations
  • 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
  • Keep your vehicles locked and free of food debris
  • Birdfeeders are a major bear attractant. Birdfeeders must be suspended in a way that they are inaccessible to bears 
  • Clean barbeque grills after each use

Seasonal Wildlife & Trail 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/Ditchline: December 1 through May 15 (opens May 16th)
  • Vista Trail from Powerline Trail to Government Trail is closed April 25-June 20 (opens June 21)
  • Vista Trail from Government Trail to the Elk Camp Restaurant is closed May 15-June 27 (opens June 28)

Review our wildlife area closures map to view these areas in our GIS portal. A map of the Burnt Mountain trail closures can be found here.

Enforcement

Trail closures are strictly enforced by the Town’s Animal Services Division, in partnership with US Forest Service, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and Aspen Skiing Company. 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. 

Wildlife Information for New Homeowners 

Welcome to Snowmass Village! New residents should review CPW's Living with Wildlife page. New homeowners can also download CPW's Home Audit Checklist for bear safety.

Snowmass Village Animal Services

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