Associated Press - September 17, 2009 10:05 AM ET

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Some Casper Mountain residents are worried that an infestation of pine beetles could wipe out most of the trees in the area.

Sam Weaver, president of the Casper Mountain Forest Stewardship Association, says the bark beetles could damage the look and recreational value of the area as well as pose a major fire risk.

Bark beetles bore beneath the bark of a tree to lay eggs. They transmit a blue fungus that clogs the tissue the tree uses to retain water. About six months later, the trees die of thirst.

Some residents are cutting down damaged trees and wrapping them tightly in plastic, preventing the beetles from flying away to infect new trees.

Les Koch, a forest health specialist, says the beetles are epidemic levels.

Information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, http://www.casperstartribune.net

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.