Honeybees are dying at astronomical rates in both the United States and Europe, a phenomenon which could potentially have dire effects on the world economy and agricultural ecosystem.
Ontario Beekeeper David Schuit recently reported the death of over 37 million bees (approximately 600 hives) during the month of June.
Note: Pictured above is J & P Apiary and Gentzel's Bees, Honey and Pollination Company
Via: Joe Raedle / Getty Images
This announcement came just two weeks after the unexpected death of over 25,000 bumblebees in the parking lot of the Wilsonville, Oregon, Target.
This photo provided by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation shows some of the thousands of dead and dying bees found in the parking lot of a shopping center in Wilsonville, Ore.
Via: AP
The presumed cause of these deaths is a relatively recent phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
Via: Matt Cardy / Getty Images
First reported in 2006, CCD has been attributed to the rapid loss of approximately 33% of commercial honeybees from 2006–2011.
Via: Joe Raedle / Getty Images