The North Facing Slope/Conifer Habitat
The north facing slope of the canyon is in the shade much of the winter. This allows the snow to buildup providing the water these dense stands of conifer trees need. Trees on this side of the canyon are mostly Douglas Fir and Limber Pine. Douglas Fir can be identified by the cone, which has a sharp, 3 pointed bract projecting from the cone scales, and a “bottle-brush” arrangement of the needles. Limber Pine needles are arranged in bundles of five. Limber Pine seeds are a favorite food of many animals.
Douglas Fir pine cones have a distinct three-pointed bract.
The Limber Pine has a distinctive needle cluster.
During the past decade both species of conifer have been hit hard by an infestation of Pine Bark Beetles, a tiny insect that in large numbers, can kill a tree. Across the west Pine Bark Beetles have devastated forests.
A variety of other plants grow on the shady north facing slope: Oregon Grape, a low growing evergreen plant, and Wild Rose along with many wildflowers. Shrubs like Snowberry, Mountain Lover, Serviceberry and others grow well in this habitat.
Plants
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In the early summer Oregon Grape has clusters of bright yellow flowers. In the fall it grows pale blue berries eaten by bears, Blue Grouse and small mammals.
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Wild Rose has a delicate purple/pink flower in the summer. It develops rose hips, berries rich in vitamin c, in the fall.
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Heart leaf arnica grows in the shade of the north facing slope.
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Shooting Star is a delicate flower seen in the early summer.
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Phlox grows in low dense matts on the forest floor.
Animals
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Black Bears are sometimes seen on the conifer slope. They are omnivores, eating everything from carrion and insects to roots. The especially like the abundant berries that grow in the canyon. Black Bears are not always black, but may be brown, cinnamon or blond in color. Photo by LuRay Parker, Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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Mountain Lions hunt in the canyon. Very shy and secretive they are seldom seen in the day. They eat mainly mule deer. Photo by LuRay Parker, Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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Blue Grouse are typically seen on the steep conifer slopes. They are a blue grey color, blending in well with the habitat. They have a deep, owl-like hoot. They are active all year eating seeds, berries and in the winter pine needles.
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The Great Horned Owl can swoop down silently on small mammals from perches in the trees. Photo by LuRay Parker, Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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Deer Mice are common in the grass. Photo by LuRay Parker, Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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Western Tanagers. These brightly colored birds flash yellow and red through the deep green of the trees.
Pine Bark Beetle Kill
Like many forests throughout the west, the canyon has been hit by the Pine Bark Beetle. Many of the dead conifer trees you see were killed by infestations of this tiny insect.
The beetle is always here, it is part of the habitat, but recently it has become a major problem.
A serious 10 year drought has stressed the trees so they have a harder time fighting off the beetle. Warmer winters are allowing more of the beetles to survive (they can be killed by extended cold spells), so more beetles attack more trees.
Unfortunately there is little we can do to fight the infestation. Chemical treatments are expensive and not very effective, and we can’t control the weather. The problem will probably get worse before it gets better.
