Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about the California Bumble Bee Atlas.
You may also find answers to questions posed during training workshops at this link.
You may also find answers to questions posed during training workshops at this link.
What are bumble bees and why are you focusing on them?
Bumble bees are social insects found throughout the world in temperate and/or montane habitats. They have an annual colony cycle that begins when queen-caste females emerge from hibernation to found nests in spring. At the end of the colony cycle, in late summer or fall, newly-produced and mated queens enter hibernation, and the rest of the individuals in the nest (the foundress queen, worker-caste females, and males) die. Bumble bees are dependent on flowers for the nectar and pollen they subsist on, and are important pollinators of native plants and crops. Around 50 species of bumble bees occur in North America, with half of these found in California. Bumble bees are relatively large, furry, and boldly colored, making them easy to observe as they forage at flowers. Learn more at Bumble Bee Watch.
A recent study led by the IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, supported by studies led by Dr. Sydney Cameron, and a status review by Dr. Robbin Thorp and the Xerces Society, demonstrate that several of North America's nearly 50 species of bumble bees are undergoing dramatic population declines. Two species, Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and the rusty-patched bumble bee (B. affinis), have been listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and others, including the western bumble bee (B. occidentalis) and American bumble bee (B. pensylvanicus) are under consideration for listing. In California, six species are in decline and considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need. These include Franklin's bumble bee, western bumble bee, Morrison bumble bee (B. morrisoni), Suckley bumble bee (B. suckleyi), and Crotch bumble bee (B. crotchii). We expect that the California Bumble Bee Atlas will clarify the status of each of these species within the state--please join us in gathering the information necessary to protect these native bees!
A recent study led by the IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, supported by studies led by Dr. Sydney Cameron, and a status review by Dr. Robbin Thorp and the Xerces Society, demonstrate that several of North America's nearly 50 species of bumble bees are undergoing dramatic population declines. Two species, Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and the rusty-patched bumble bee (B. affinis), have been listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and others, including the western bumble bee (B. occidentalis) and American bumble bee (B. pensylvanicus) are under consideration for listing. In California, six species are in decline and considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need. These include Franklin's bumble bee, western bumble bee, Morrison bumble bee (B. morrisoni), Suckley bumble bee (B. suckleyi), and Crotch bumble bee (B. crotchii). We expect that the California Bumble Bee Atlas will clarify the status of each of these species within the state--please join us in gathering the information necessary to protect these native bees!
what is community science?
Community science (often referred to as "citizen science") is a collaboration between professional scientists and members of the general public involving the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world. Community science provides tremendous value to professional scientists, while also engaging and enthusiasts in scientific subject matter.
why are you using Community science?
Because California is a large state with extensive areas of remote bumble bee habitat, professional scientists can only reach so many places. But, with your help we can recruit an army of trained volunteers equipped with cameras and vials. Then, we can cover the state quickly, collect scientific-quality data, and contribute to the global understanding of bumble bee distributions.
how do i get involved?
- At a very basic level you can submit observations of bumble bees to BumbleBeeWatch.org. You can share observations from your backyard, where you work, or on your travels around the region.
- If you are interested in getting more involved you can officially adopt a grid cell and participate in our more formal surveys. This takes a commitment to contribute to the project over the next couple of years. At a minimum you'll need to:
- Attend one of our training events
- Agree to travel to your adopted grid cell to look for bumble bees twice
- Agree to submit your data online using BumbleBeeWatch.org
- If all of this sounds great, and you're ready to do all of this AND become a project participant, contact us!
is this appropriate for families?
Yes! We think that most anyone can get involved! You need to decide what level of participation is right for your situation.
can schools and/or classrooms participate
Sure! We'd love to have the help of schools throughout the region. Teachers, or schools could adopt the grid in which their school resides, or surveys could take place on field trips. The only challenge is timing as most of the bumble bee life cycle takes place over the summer while most schools are on break. Early June or late August / early September would likely still work for survey times.
can my group/organization adopt a block of grid cells?
Absolutely, please contact us and we can help make this happen.
will i get stung?
To be honest, you might, but the chances are pretty low. Bumble bees are docile creatures - especially when visiting flowers - and only sting when they feel threatened. You are most likely to get stung if you are trying to capture bumble bees into a vial either from a net, or directly from flowers. But even then, when done calmly and correctly your chances of getting stung are low. This is one of the reasons that we suggest you attend a training. At the training events you'll learn practical techniques and best practices. If you are allergic to bumble bee stings, or suspect that you may be, we recommend that you take necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and consult with a physician- your safety should come first.
DO I HAVE TO SURVEY THE ENTIRE GRID cell i adopt?
No, the grid cells are very large and varied and that would be too much to ask. The idea is that a volunteer would sample AT LEAST one location at two different times during the year - OR - at least two different location within the grid at the same time of year. Anything above and beyond that would be great, but is not necessary.
other questions?
there is no grid cell where I live, what can i do to help?
We randomly selected grid cells based on ecoregions and historic bumble bee observations, so not everywhere is included in the Atlas. One way to help would be to adopt a grid cell away from where you live. We tend to get lots of information in areas that have high population density, but need more information from the remote parts of the region. Consider adopting a grid cell off the beaten path - explore a new part of California. If this is not possible for you (or even if it is), you can still submit Incidental Observations or even conduct an incidental survey from anywhere - grid cell or no grid cell, adopted or not. Every observation and survey counts! Thanks for your interest.
Do I need a permit to handle bumble bees in california?
Yes, you need to be covered by a Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to participate in the California Bumble Bee Atlas. California Fish and Game Code Section 1002 authorizes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue permits for scientific, educational, and propagation activities with wild animals, including six bumble bee species included on their list of Terrestrial Invertebrates of Conservation Priority. Further, species that are candidates for listing under the California Endangered Species Act, such as Franklin’s, Crotch’s, Suckley’s and western bumble bees, require an MOU (FGC section 2081 (a)). Xerces currently holds both an SCP and MOU for the California Bumble Bee Atlas and we have the ability to add you to these permits, so you don't have to apply for your own. To be added to the permits for this project, you will need to 1) attend a training workshop; and 2) pass a short quiz demonstrating that you are aware of the environmental compliance issues related to the permits. Note that our permit only covers surveys that are part of the California Bumble Bee Atlas. If you plan to do surveys for any other purpose (e.g., field surveys outside of the March 15-August 31 collecting season, or surveys completed for regulatory purposes) then you will need to apply for your own permits. For more information please review CDFW’s wildlife research permitting website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Explore/Organization/WLB/Permitting. If CDFW discovers that you have been misusing our permit, they will request you be removed and we will notify you that you are no longer covered and could face penalties if a wildlife warden encounters you in the field.