save the bees: California’s Bumble Bees Are Endangered — and Legally Fish!
California Bumble Bees California is home to four species of bumble bees: Franklin’s bumblebee Crotch’s bumblebee Western bumblebee Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee Franklin’s bumblebee is potentially extinct, with no confirmed sightings since 2006. How They Got on the List The only way these bees could be added to the endangered species list was through research and petitioning by the Xerces Society , Defenders of Wildlife , and the Center for Food Safety . In 2022, these petitions succeeded, and the bees were officially listed as endangered — legally classified as “fish” under California law. Yes, fish. 🐟 This unusual classification is because the California Endangered Species Act groups invertebrates under the category of “fish,” allowing protection for insects like bumble bees. Why They Need Saving Bumble bees are essential pollinators. They help wild plants thrive, which supports entire ecosystems. They also pollinate crops like tomatoes, strawberries, and pe...