Bumblebees are critical pollinators, but their populations are rapidly declining, conservationists say.
The bees are some of the more well-known pollinators due to size and loud buzzing.
"It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of declines, but scientists suspect habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are contributors," according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
MDC is working with the Xerces Society, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as well as the University of Missouri to urge the public to join the Missouri Bumble Bee Atlas, which is a statewide science project that tracks and aims to conserve native bumblebees.