The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to classify the Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision is based on a significant decline in the bee's population due to factors like habitat loss, pesticides, pathogens, and climate change, which also affect its host species. The proposed listing aims to provide federal protections for the bee, although specific critical habitat designation is not yet possible due to insufficient data. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until February 18, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to protect a special type of bee called Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee because there aren't many left due to things like losing their homes and bad weather. They want to add this bee to a list that helps keep it safe, but they still need more information to know exactly where it lives.