Although there are several native bark beetle species found in Wyoming, the Mountain Pine Beetle is the most widely recognized for its impacts. The beetles kill pine trees through larval feeding and by introducing blue stain fungus into the sapwood. In 2011, aerial surveys estimated that over 3.3 million acres of federally managed forests in Wyoming were affected by the Mountain pine beetle.

​

In 1973 the Wyoming legislature identified the Mountain Pine Beetle as a designated pest under the state weed and pest law. Weed and Pest Control Districts work with Wyoming State Forestry District offices and the timber industry to assist local landowners with programs varying from education to chemical cost-share or even to the hiring of sawyer crews.