Grizzlies and Whitebark Pine
Grizzlies and Whitebark Pine

This project funded by YERC predicts the demise of whitebark pine due to an invasive fungus from Asia called white pine blister rust. The team's mechanistic, process-based model predicted 90% mortality by 2032 in the GYE which means grizzly bears and many other species will functionally lose a major food source needed to survive and successfully reproduce during the winter season. Long-term datasets were provided by government agencies, NGOs, and academia. This collaborative effort was used to pave the way for adaptation strategies, guide successful conservation programs, and make smart management decisions for grizzly bears.

Read More
YERC Staff
Grizzly, Gophers, & Thistle
Grizzly, Gophers, & Thistle

This article documents the ability of large carnivores to adapt to change provided their is alternative food and safe habitat to satisfy the survival and reproductive requirements of a recovering population. Although the findings were criticized, it was later confirmed by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study team that the authors predictions - shifting away from declining whitebark pine nuts to Canada thistle abundance - were indeed true.

Read More
Guest User