Once again the intricate web of life is revealed in the current issue of the NDRC newsletter. One article in particular discusses the importance of the white bark pine to the continued survival of the grizzly bear. It appears that the rise in local temperatures is impacting the white bark pines in the west and "whitebark pines have a special relationship with one of the region's most iconic species. Yellowstone grizzly bears face an uncertain future without these trees. Females rely on caches of white bark pine cones and their high fat content when preparing to hibernate. And since the pines are an important food source; fewer whitebark pines probably translates into fewer grizzly bears." Hard to believe that the continued success of such a magnificent bear is linked to a small seed provided by a tree, but it is true. For more info check out http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/jmogerman/zombie_trees_and_bear_attacks.html.
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