Honeybees are creating quite a buzz in the headlines! According to data from the Census of Agriculture, the U.S. has added nearly 1 million bee colonies between 2017 and 2022, bringing the total number of colonies to an all-time high of 3.8 million, CBS News reports.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for these hardworking insects. Back in the mid-2000s, bee populations were in serious decline due to pesticides, climate change, and habitat destruction, among other factors. This alarming trend led conservationists to sound the alarm with a rallying cry to “save the bees.” Fortunately, their efforts are paying off, as honeybees are now the fastest-growing livestock segment in the country.
However, this positive news doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels. Mace Vaughan, an insect conservationist, told The Washington Post that the best way to help pollinators is to “go out there and create beautiful flower-rich [habitats] on your farm or in your garden.” Want to lend a hand to these vital pollinators? Learn how you can help.
