Record Number of Dead Trees at Yosemite

Drought, a warming climate, and a bark beetle infestation are to blame for the park's 2.4 million dead trees.

'Jimmy Harris'

Published November 10, 2017 01:25PM

A recent survey at Yosemite National Park found 2.4 million dead trees–the most since records have been kept. Drought and climate change have weakened the park’s trees, leaving them vulnerable to infestation from the native bark beetle. Officials worry the standing trees pose a hazard to visitors and also provide plentiful fuel for forest fires.

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