The recent extreme cold in Alberta has done much to assist the province’s efforts in battling the mountain pine beetle. Mountain pine beetle populations in Alberta have declined 98 per cent since their peak in 2019, said the Ministry of Forestry and Parks. Extended periods of extreme cold below -38 C can cause up to 95 per cent mortality of over-wintering mountain pine beetles. …In Jasper National Park, the last population survey in late 2022 showed that the mountain pine beetle’s numbers have dropped 94 per cent since 2019. The survey also showed a sharp decline in trees killed by the pest for the fourth consecutive year with zero living larvae found. In order to mitigate the risk of wildfire and other negative impacts to the forest industry, watersheds and endangered species, the province will continue to invest in the mountain pine beetle control program to ensure its continued success.