Bumblebees

Why I Fell in Love with Bumblebees (and You Can, Too!)

It started on a chilly April morning. I stepped outside to greet the sunrise and noticed a lone bumblebee resting on a log near the woodpile. Despite my lifelong bee phobia, I knelt beside her and held out my hand. To my surprise, she climbed right in—tiny claws tickling my skin like a slow waltz.

That quiet moment stole my heart. Since then, I look forward to spotting the first bumblebee of the season here in Kodiak, Alaska.

Turns out, those big, fuzzy early risers are queen bees—waking from months of underground hibernation, hungry, and on a mission to start a new colony. Their journey is inspiring… and a little heartbreaking.

Bumblebees may look like flying teddy bears, but they’re powerful pollinators—and they’re in trouble. Habitat loss, pesticides, and a lack of flowers are putting many species at risk.

Here’s how you can help:

• Grow early-blooming flowers like crocus (and yes, even dandelions)
• Skip the pesticides and go organic
• Leave a few messy corners—bumblebees need safe places to nest
• Consider “rewilding” part of your yard or garden—let a patch grow naturally with native plants, grasses, and wildflowers to create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
• Stay calm when they buzz by—they’re gentle (and males don’t sting)

Bumblebees have a lot to teach us about resilience, nature, and even ourselves.

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And be sure to check out my Bumblebee playlist on YouTube for stories, inspiration...even how to build a nesting box for bumblebees!