Grizzly and Cub in Yellowstone
Imagine Yellowstone National Park without grizzly bears roaming through its forests. Or desert bighorn sheep missing from the landscape of Arches or Canyonlands.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) just released the report “Climate Change and National Park Wildlife: A Survival Guide for a Warming World.” The report features profiles of eleven wildlife species in parks and the serious threats they face from climate change. Mark Wenzler, director of clean air and climate programs at NPCA states: “The effects of climate change on wildlife are already visible in our national parks. If we don’t begin to act, many species may go extinct.”
In Yellowstone, a tiny beetle may decide the fate of the kingly grizzly bear. Whitebark pine nuts provide a valuable food source for the bears. A beetle that destroys the whitebark pine tree has gained a considerable foothold in Yellowstone because of the effects of climate change. In some parts of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, beetles have destroyed up to 90 percent of the trees in whitebark pine forests. Removing this important component of the grizzly bears’ diet puts considerable stress on the species that could ultimately lead to extinction.
Although the report raises the alarm about the perils grizzly bears and other wildlife face from climate change, it also promotes a call to action and proposes solutions. The introduction lists five steps needed to safeguard America’s wildlife from climate change, and each wildlife story outlines specific strategies to combat the problem. Mark Wenzler also views this crisis as an opportunity for positive change: “Decisive action now can help bring about a more hopeful future for wildlife and ourselves.”
You can view the full report on NPCA’s website.
Comments
One of these days I have to go to Yellowstone. I guess sooner rather than later before the animals are gone. But wait...if I drive there and increase the carbon footprint, am I part of the problem?
informative article, as usual
What whitebark pine and the relationship with the Clark's nutcracker? Taxonomic chauvinists!
This is something the average person would never think of. Very informative.
Very Interesting. It is amazing that such a small insect could have such an effect.
Beth has written a really good article about calling attention to the plight of the mighty grizzly in Yellowstone. I hope a solution can be found to help these magnificent creatures survive in the future. The website links provided more useful information.
Very interesting article!
Beth's showing us we can't take the continued existence of wild life and natural beauty for granted.
poor bears : (.
Beth you have had a lot of great experiences being in Yellowstone and reporting on the magnificent wild life there. Keep reporting!!
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