The mountain pine beetle is a small insect native to North America, primarily affecting pine trees. These beetles are known for their destructive impact on forests, as they bore into the bark to lay their eggs. The larvae feed on the tree's inner bark, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water, which can ultimately kill the tree. The mountain pine beetle has been particularly problematic in the western United States and Canada, where large infestations have led to significant tree mortality. Climate change has contributed to the beetle's spread, as warmer temperatures allow them to thrive and reproduce more rapidly, exacerbating the damage to forest ecosystems.