Save the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee

This once thriving species of bee has now dropped in its population size almost 95% since 1987. A 2007 study showed that there are only 16,000 Rusty-Patched Bumble Bees left in the world, which is incredible considering that the Queen is able to lay 2,000 eggs a day. Originally, the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee ranged in the United States from Minnesota all the way to Maine and as far south as Georgia. However, recent studies have shown that there has been a massive decrease in the species range with only isolated patches remaining in Midwestern and Northeastern states. Vermont hasn’t seen the bee since 1999. (“Have You Seen The Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee?”, 2002).