There’s still time to catch sight of summer-dwelling wildlife in the Roaring Fork Valley and the winter wildlife viewing will be coming up soon.
Here are a few common animals found near Snowmass Village, Colorado:
Black Bears
Bears are fairly common around Aspen and Snowmass and should be viewed with caution. They don’t typically cause issues unless threatened and that situation can be easily avoided with commonsense. Here are a few Bear Aware tips from the City of Aspen:
- Stay calm, don’t run
- Back away slowly
- Avoid eye contact
- Never feed a bear
- Leave cubs alone
- Keep pets on leash
- Do not gather around
- Fight back if attacked
Elk
These majestic animals can be seen all over the Roaring Fork Valley and during spring and summer. It’s nearly guaranteed to see one if you’re on the hillside and in the fields. Best places to spot a herd is on Owl Creek Road, Sky Mountain Park, Cozy Point trail and McLain Flats Road.
Elk viewing is best done at a safe distance.
Red Foxes
These little creatures can be seen all over Snowmass and its surrounding areas, even throughout winter. Keep your eyes peeled when walking through the woods in the winter, as they can be quite elusive. Don’t feed wild animals such as foxes.
Coyotes
Another animal that can be seen all over our area and throughout the year. If you spend much time around these mountains, chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of a few coyotes. Coyotes are not an immediate danger to humans but don’t chase or frighten them for your own safety. The main issues with coyotes encroaching upon human environments and vice-versa are household cats becoming a coyotes next meal.
For winter wildlife viewing, one of the best options is to join an ACES snowshoe tour with a certified naturalist full of local knowledge:
ACES Snowshoe Tour
Explore silent, snow-covered spruce and fir forests, along a babbling creek in the middle of Snowmass, on a guided, 2-hour snowshoe tour with a Naturalist from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Learn about Rocky Mountain winter ecology, animals and more, as you discover the area on this leisurely tour on gentle terrain. Lift ticket required; equipment provided. Purchase tour tickets at any Aspen Snowmass lift ticket office. No reservations necessary.
When: Daily, December 12 – April 14
Time: 10:00am & 1:00pm
Where: Meet at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola
Cost: Adults $61, Youth & Seniors $41; $39 and $30 for lift ticket holders
Contact: 970.925.5756, aspennature.org
