![Dramatic Decline Found in Western Bumblebee Populations](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2020/07/GettyImages-81154415.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Dramatic Decline Found in Western Bumblebee Populations
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal review of existing data unveils an alarming trend for the western bumblebee population, which has seen its numbers dwindle by as much as 93% in the last two decades.
The Deseret News reports the find by the U.S. Geological Survey will help inform a species status assessment to begin this fall by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which may ultimately add the insect to its endangered species list.
Researchers say there are multiple factors at play that are contributing to the demise of the bumblebee, including pesticides, habitat fragmentation, a warming climate and pathogens.
![K2 Radio logo](https://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2022/02/attachment-512.jpg?w=100)
Enter your number to get our free mobile app
KEEP READING: See 25 natural ways to boost your immune system
More From K2 Radio
![PHOTOS: West-Side Gardens of Casper Do Not Disappoint](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2023/07/attachment-img_3088-2.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![In The World Of Beekeeping, Wyoming’s Not That Great](http://townsquare.media/site/102/files/2022/06/attachment-beekeeping.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wyoming Woman Fined $5 for Destruction of Property After Smearing Honey on Son’s Doorknob](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2022/05/attachment-GettyImages-707707341.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Weather Service: Drought Isn’t Getting Any Better in Wyoming](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2016/10/119977251.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bankers Say Economy Remains Weak in Rural Parts of 10 States](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2017/03/sugar-beets.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Drought Conditions Continue To Spread Through Cowboy State](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2016/10/119977251.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Arizona Starts Talks on Addressing Dwindling Colorado River](http://townsquare.media/site/245/files/2018/08/GettyImages-675314318.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Meatpacking Rebounds but High Prices and Backlogs to Persist](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2020/05/GettyImages-1211161940.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rural Bankers Survey Index Remains Low in Face of Outbreak](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2016/04/Credit-Joe-Raedle.jpg?w=980&q=75)