The crisis threatens pollination of key crops and has led to financial ruin for many beekeepers. Scientists cite climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, varroa mites, and poor handling as potential causes.

The USDA is investigating the latest losses, but Trump-era staff cuts have slowed research, prompting Cornell University to assist.

Despite increased colony numbers from rising beekeeper interest, loss rates continue to surge, endangering agriculture and ecosystems.

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[–] myrrh@ttrpg.network 9 points 3 days ago

...i drove from the gulf coast to northern california twenty-five years ago and had to thoroughly clean my windshield of bugs every fuel stop, which was pretty typical of road trips for thirty years prior; i can't remember the last time i've had to clean my windshield of anything other than dust since the mid-2000s...