Snowmass Village is in prime black bear habitat. Residents are encouraged to be bear aware and minimize the risk of bear-human interactions.

Human-bear conflicts will increase when residents leave food sources outside of their homes. Trash, recycling, and compost bins are common sources of food for foraging bears. Pet food, bird feeders, and outdoor cooking equipment such as grills and barbecues also attract bears to the home. Black bears are curious, intelligent, and very resourceful; they will explore all possible food sources. If they find food near homes, campgrounds, vehicles, or communities, they’ll come back for more. 

The Town of Snowmass Village urges all residents to remove food sources from their yards, vehicles, and other human-occupied areas to reduce the likelihood of bear interaction. Residents should remember to keep garage doors closed as well as ground level doors and windows closed and locked, especially when not home. Locking car doors is also recommended. 

If you are expecting a food delivery of any kind- pet food, groceries, etc., please ensure you are home to bring the package inside as bears are known to be porch pirates if there is anything that smells worthy.

Bear Resistant Trash Containers 

The Town of Snowmass Village maintains bear-resistant trash enclosures for residential solid waste and recycling. For those residents with curbside pick-up service, trash bins may only be placed outside on the day of pickup and returned to a secure, inside location by 6:00 p.m. that same evening.

For more information on solid waste, please visit our website.

Bear Sightings & Interactions

To report a bear sighting in Snowmass Village, please email Snowmass Village Animal Services or call 970-923-5330. The information that you provide is used to track their movement and behavior and will help keep black bears alive. Early reporting provides a chance to prevent human-bear conflict by modifying behavior. Trapping and relocating is not a viable option, bears that enter homes and become destructive in their search for food are doomed to euthanasia as they pose a great risk to human safety.  This sad outcome is easily preventable if we take some simple actions. Wildlife sightings are part of mountain life - please appreciate and respect an animal’s right to thrive by being bear aware!

For information on living in bear habitat, information can be found online with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.