The Winter Wildlife of Mammoth Mountain

July 14, 2023

Mammoth Mountain is not only home to some of the best skiing and riding the country, but it's also the winter residence of a wide variety of Eastern Sierra wildlife.

The winter is a great time to view wildlife in Mammoth Lakes and there is no better place to observe the local fauna than on one of Mammoth Mountain's chairlifts. Mammoth Mountain is not only home to some of the best skiing and riding the country, it is also the winter residence of a wide variety of birds and mammals. From the elusive long-tailed ferret to the curious and cunning Steller's Jay, several species of animals have adapted to make the most of the abundant snowfall that blankets the region for up to seven months of the year.

Spotting Rodents & Critters on Mammoth Mountain

Long-Tailed Weasels

The long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) is easily distinguished by its snow-white winter coat and a long, black-tipped tail. A relative of the ferret and mink, the long-tailed weasel is found throughout North America and is a common winter resident of many ski areas in the western U.S.

These voracious predators feed on rodents and songbirds throughout the winter and are often most active during the daylight hours, making sightings of the long-tailed weasel on Mammoth Mountain relatively common. Expect to see them darting between trees under the chairlifts of the lower mountain, especially around the Canyon Lodge area and Chair 4. If you listen carefully while skiing or riding, you may even be able to hear them squealing or screeching while hunting the forests.

White-Tailed Jackrabbits

The white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) is a large rodent with chameleon-like abilities; transitioning from gray in the summer to almost completely white in the winter. Found throughout the west, the jackrabbit has adapted to survive in a wide variety of environments, including the high alpine of Mammoth Mountain.

Mostly nocturnal, the white-tailed jackrabbit is able to survive on twigs and dried brush of the high altitudes throughout the winter. When startled from their burrows in the snow, these spry rabbits are known to surprise skiers and riders on Mammoth Mountain. Look for them to begin feeding around dusk during calm weather near the main lodge of the ski area or in the vicinity of chair 12.

Birding on Mammoth Mountain

Ravens

One of the most abundant wild residents of Mammoth Mountain is the common raven (Corvus corax). These large, glossy black songbirds are extremely intelligent and social and are abundant throughout North America. If you see a large, dark bird at Mammoth Mountain during the winter, it is likely a resident raven.

Ravens are often undeterred by inclement winter weather and can be seen foraging and hunting all areas of the ski resort. Listen for the characteristic raven “kah-kaw” vocalization or watch as they gracefully soar above the trees and within the forests hunting for rodents. Also, be aware of where your picnic is when ravens around, as they are cunning thieves that will eat almost anything.

Clark's Nutcrackers

The Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is a robin-sized gray bird with dark wings, a long black beak, and white-black-white patterned tail feathers. This perching songbird is named after the great explorer, William Clark, and is commonly found in the high elevation conifer forests of western North America.

In the Eastern Sierra, the Clark's nutcracker has a symbiotic relationship with the high altitude whitebark pine. The Clark's nutcracker collects the pine seeds in the summer and fall and stores them for winter, often not needing their entire stash and promoting germination of the whitebark pine in the spring and summer. The species is known to collect upwards of 100,000 seeds per year for winter sustenance.

The Clark's nutcracker is found throughout the lower elevations of Mammoth Mountain during the winter. Look for these industrious songbirds in the forests around Canyon and Eagle lodges as well as near Chair 4.

Mountain Chickadees

A cheerful winter resident of Mammoth Mountain is the small mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli). These round songbirds are easily distinguished by their dark head, gray back and tail, and light to buff colored chests. The most characteristic feature of the Mountain Chickadee is their call, repeating “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” amongst themselves as they hop between tree branches.

Often curious and friendly, mountain chickadees are commonly found within the trees of the lower to middle mountain. Watch for them feeding while hanging upside down in the pines or taking refuge in thick trees of the lower mountain during heavy snows. These songbirds are very photogenic, so have your camera handy.

Steller's Jays

One of the more boisterous winter residents of Mammoth Mountain is the Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). This moderate sized songbird is marked by a deep blue body with a distinctive black crest adorning the head. The Steller's jay is found throughout western North America and is a very close cousin to the common blue jay.

When visiting Mammoth Mountain, watch for groups or flocks of the cunning Stellar's jay in loosely spaced conifer forests throughout the winter. Most notably found in trees along the ski runs of the lower mountain, these intrepid birds may also venture to the upper elevations of the ski resort in the search for food. Often noisy, bold, and cunning (especially when in groups), these birds will gladly take your lunch if you are not vigilant.

Winter Wildlife Spotting Tips

As with all wildlife, take only pictures and please do not feed or disturb the furry and feathered natives of Mammoth Mountain. High alpine ecosystems are extremely delicate and stable populations are maintained only by preservation, education, and respect.

For additional information on the wildlife of Mammoth Mountain, contact the local U.S. Forest Service representatives at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center or stop by at 2510 Main Street to talk to someone in person.

Author

Jason Abplanalp

Jason Abplanalp first discovered the Eastern Sierra lifestyle six years ago and after brief tenures in Colorado and Idaho, Jason returned to the mountain town he truly loves, Mammoth Lakes, CA. As an avid skier, mountain biker, hiker, and fisherman, Jason believes there is no better place for his family to call home. Jason has a PhD in the geological sciences and when he is not outside playing in the mountains or writing about his adventures, he is designing field studies and data generative programs for clients employed by the mineral extraction industry.