DEATH OF THE BUMBLEBEE.

Today, I learned that the entire population of honey bees as a species has been declining in recent decades. Certain subspecies in the western hemisphere have become extinct, and others are close to the same fate. It's called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and is probably caused by a combination of factors. Bees are suceptible to certain viruses and attacks from mites and fungi. The widespread use of pesticides and antibiotics also contributes to the deterioration of the species. However, none of these factors made me as mad as what i learned about apiculture. Beekeepers specifically breed bees to be stronger and produce more honey. I know that most animals and plants these days are genetically modified, but I still don't like the idea of it. Sure, the bees might make more honey initially (more honey = more profit). But generations of hybrid bees are more aggressive, which leads to negative effects for the beekeepers themselves. It is much harder to exploit honey from an angry beehive. Another thing that beekeepers do is feed bees a very specific diet. In winter months, bees are mostly given high fructose corn syrup and other sugar substitues. When they can finally pollenate flowers, certain bees only touch one type of plant. Not only does such a  regimented diet have negative effects on the bees (like weaker immune systems), but it is contributing to less variance among flowers as well.

I'm kind of obsessed with bees right now. I'm considering boycotting honey or something because I don't like the idea of a bee-free world. If you couldn't tell, I'm really upset. I don't understand why we, as humans, feel the need to manipulate nature for our own profits. The earth knows how to take care of itself. Our developed brains do not give us the right to mess with nature.