Snowmobiles were found to disturb grey wolves as well. Winter recreation may be the single largest threat to wolverines. Fifteen years ago, you couldn't get a snow machine into these areas. There are snow machines coming out now that can go virtually anywhere. The Forest Service states that increased winter recreation within the Stateline analysis area could degrade air, soil and water quality, damage vegetation, and result in a lack of areas devoid of human noise.
Snowmobiles can damage tree stems, break trunks and remove bark.
They also may negatively impact aquatic life. Snowmobile exhaust contains ammonium, nitrate and sulfate ions which, when mixed with water, create acids. These acids may stress tree seedlings and can impact seedling germination, growth and survival. Researchers have observed other snowmobile impacts to wildlife. Compacted snowmobile trails give bobcats access through deep snow to remote lynx habitat and allow them to compete with lynx for snowshoe hares, the sole food of the lynx.