Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/bee-colony-increase/

When it comes to the environment, one of the biggest concerns is the survival of the bees. They are vital to the ecosystem since they are nature’s pollinators. And while there has been a steady decline in their numbers, there is some hope.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a new bee colony report that shows some states are actually experiencing an increase in bee populations!

The report, was a surprise, showing states like Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Maine having the largest increases. Maine happened to experience the highest bee growth with a colony increase of 73% since 2018. Right behind Maine was Oklahoma with a 69% growth.

However, the highest percentage of growth is not a sign of having the largest bee populations. California happens to have the largest number of bee colonies with over a million hives. The second-largest bee population is in Florida, where there are 250,000 hives.

Unfortunately, since 2018 both these states have lost some of their bee colonies. But the reported national increase of colonies is up 14%, which does provide a glimmer of hope for these two states’ bee populations.

Bees are a very important part of the fruit and flower production since they provide pollination. However, over the last few decades, they have faced devastation because of such factors as pesticides and habitat loss. The beehives that have managed to survive with the help of humans have also faced their own problems such as parasites or poor management.

Amongst the many problems facing pee colonies, scientists are also concerned about Colony Collapse Disorder, which occurs when a hive loses its queen.

But despite the struggles, the data shown by the Department of Agriculture does present some hope for the future of honeybee colonies in the US. It is so important that we help to save these very crucial insects.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog