Decline in bees leaves US stung

AMERICAN scientists are alarmed over the extensive decline in the numbers of the humble bumblebee.

The bees are responsible for pollinating an estimated 15% of all the crops grown in the US, worth $3 billion (€2.13bn), particularly those raised in greenhouses.

Demand is growing as the number of honeybees decline. In the wild, birds and bears depend on bumblebees for berries and fruits.