An example of the pitch tubes that have become the all-to-grim calling card of Dendroctonus ponderosae. Much of North America is affected by this infestation, and great swaths of forest are filled with dead trees. But the forests were dying anyway, and the beetles are just as opportunistic as any greedy human industry or corporation. At least, this is as natural an act as could have happened. When I cautiously walk in the ravaged forest, I am grateful to have known it's company, to have shared it's life and death. I hope to share it's rebirth and know it anew.
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