A small, important win for bees in Colorado

Bees are little ecosystem warriors. Across the globe, they pollinate nearly 90% of wild plants, but not all is well in their world.

For instance, more than 20% of Colorado’s 24 bumblebee species are candidates or potential candidates for endangered or threatened status. 

With bees hurting, it’s great to see a small but important win coming out of the 2024 Colorado legislative session. A bill that essentially declares “bees are animals too” passed the legislature. By deeming bees and other invertebrates to be animals, Colorado’s existing wildlife programs and funds can be utilized to protect bees. 

This 2024 victory adds to a 2023 law that restricts bee-killing pesticides called “neonics.” 

Colorado has more than 900 native bee species. We need them in the world to ensure healthy ecosystems, from hillsides chock full of wildflowers to vibrant, verdant forests. 

In nature, it’s all connected.