Top 7 Most Unexpected Animals Seen on the Slopes

Like any outdoor activity humans participle in, from time to time we tend to come in contact with the original inhabitants of the area we choose to make our playground. Many ski resorts are on national forests, and in those dense, often remote areas one can run into some pretty striking wildlife. In fact, Colorado’s White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the U.S. due to the fact it contains 12 major ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge. From squirrels to grizzly bears, we used a poll from SnowBrain’s Facebook page as well as personal experience and research to compile a list of the 7 most unexpected or unique animals seen on the slopes.

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#7 Moose (Alces Alces)

The tallest and second heaviest animal in North America, moose have been reported on the slopes from Alaska, all the way down to Colorado and across all the way to Maine. Though an herbivore, male moose can have antlers over 6 feet in diameter and can be fiercely territorial. Female moose are  particularly protective of their young. If one is lucky enough to encounter a moose on the slopes, keep a safe distance and admire these massive mammals from afar.

#6 Alpine Marmot (Marmota Marmota)

This large ground dwelling squirrel is commonly found in the Alps of central and southern Europe, making it a common site at European ski resorts. Considered possibly the largest squirrel species, marmots thrive in the high alpine areas of the Alps. Alpine marmots are excellent diggers, able to penetrate soil that even a pickaxe would have difficulty with. Though not a danger to humans, one would be wise to avoid skiing over one of these large rodents.

#5 Japanese Macaque (Macaca Fuscata)

More commonly known as the snow monkey, Japanese macaques are commonly found around Nagano’s multiple ski areas. Known to bask in Japans thermal hot springs to keep warm during winter, macaques have been known to be drawn towards human habitation in search of food. Macaques can be both playful and territorial. Armed with razor sharp canine teeth, one would be wise to admire from afar if a Japanese Macaques is encountered on one of Japans famed powder days.

#4 Black Bear (Ursus Americanus)

The most widespread of the bear species, black bears are commonly found near ski resorts across the U.S. Weighing up to 1,000 pounds and standing up to 5 feet tall, the black bear is a formidable predator. Black bears are commonly seen in the spring, when they emerge from hibernation. It is critical to properly store garbage in bear prone areas, as once bears become accustomed to humans and the food they provide human-bear related incidents are likely to occur.

#3 Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus)

The wild relatives of man’s best friend, grey wolves are seen on occasion at ski resorts across Europe and North America. Generally traveling in packs, the wolf is an elusive and majestic hunter. Wolves are commonly found in mountainous forests, exactly where humans like to establish their ski resorts. Wolves prefer to avoid humans, so if encountered on the slopes its best to keep ones distance until the wolf (or wolves) retreat on their own.

#2 Mountain Lion (Puma Concolor)

An extremely adaptable predator, the mountain lion (puma) inhabits North, Central and South America. This makes the mountain lion the most widely distributed wild, terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most widespread in the world. A quiet and elusive ambush predator, if one encounters a mountain lion it is important to not turn one’s back on it, look large and loud, and slowly retreat while maintaining eye contact. Children and pets are especially at risk for mountain lion attacks, so it is important to keep a close eye when in mountain lion territory.

#1 Grizzly Bear (Ursus Arctos Horribilis)

Weighing well over 1,000 pounds in coastal areas such as Alaska, the grizzly bear is the ultimate apex predator. Armed with razor sharp massive teeth, dagger like claws, able to run over 40 miles per hour, they boast a bite force of 1,160 PSI (pounds per square inch). This is significantly stronger than a human bite, which averages around 162 PSI. Though a fearsome predator, grizzly bears generally don’t see humans as prey. If one encounters a grizzly bear, the best bet is to try to remove oneself from the area slowly. If on the extremely rare occasion the bear attempts to approach or attack, one’s best bet is to play dead. Grizzly bears will usually loose interest quickly and move on from a non-responsive person.

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While a variety of animals can be found at ski resorts across the world, it is important to remember that we are guests in the homes of these animals. Habitat loss and urban development have pushed humans and animals closer together then ever before. When treated with the proper amount of respect and distance, animals and humans alike are able to cohabitate in the beautiful mountain landscapes we live and vacation in.