Rangers: Beware Of Falling Trees In Southern Wyo.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service says people headed into national forests in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado should be on the lookout for falling trees.

Strong wind has toppled numerous trees in the Medicine Bow and Routt national forests over the past week.

Millions of trees have been killed by an epidemic of mountain pine beetles. Those trees are at increased risk of falling over.

Forest rangers say people who are in the woods snowmobiling or out looking for Christmas trees should avoid dense patches of dead trees. They should change their plans if the forecast calls for strong wind and head to a clearing if winds pick up.

Forest officials also recommend bringing an ax or chain saw to clear any trees that fall and block the way.