Since we sent NPS our analysis, we have been finding increasing evidence of snowmobile damage. We reported several endangered species threatened by snowmobile use - grizzly bear, bald eagle, and gray wolf. By compacting deep snow, snowmobiles allow bobcats and coyotes into lynx habitat, decreasing lynx survival. Snowmobile noise has also become a key issue. The Park Service at Yellowstone has received complaints that snowmobiles can be heard at Shoshone Lake, about two and half miles from snowmobile traffic, and at Heart Lake, almost six miles from snowmobile access.
Snowmobiles are dangerous.
NPS contacts have commented that our petition and such new evidence have prompted NPS to consider new rules. Snowmobilers have argued that the way snowmobiles pack trails provides easier access to prey, allows animals to travel further, and boosts wildlife populations. Snowmobile proponents have also commented that snowmobile effects are minor and leave no permanent mark. Unfortunately, as found in Denali National Park's environmental impact assessment of snowmobile use, evidence of snowmobile trails is seen in the summer. Further, the pollutants that accumulate in the snowpack from snowmobile emissions lead to springtime water pollution, high death rates for aquatic species, and other wilderness degradation.