Mountain pine beetles mixing genetically more than first thought: U of A study Posted by: fitzhugh Posted date: April 12, 2021 In: University of Alberta biologists studied the spread of the mountain pine beetle in a recent study. Pictured, the head and thorax of a mountain pine beetle. | Ward Strong photo Peter Shokeir | editor@fitzhugh.ca Mountain pine beetle populations are mixing more than originally speculated, according to a recent study by University of Alberta biologists. The study confirmed that most beetles in Hinton are coming from Jasper, while most beetles moving across the north originated from the population that entered through Grande Prairie.