:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(741x207:743x209):format(webp)/Maple-the-bee-dogs-and-bees-073125-c28154bcdef74ddbb2bb9337d5d9650b.jpg "This Dog Assists with Bee Conservation — and Even Wears a Beekeeping Suit")
Maple, an English Springer Spaniel, is being trained by researchers at Michigan State University to detect American foulbrood (AFB), a harmful bacteria threatening honeybee larvae. This initiative aims to improve bee conservation efforts, as manual inspections by beekeepers are time-consuming. Maple, a retired police dog, is not alone in this endeavor; other dogs like Darwin in North Carolina are also employed to assist in bee conservation. The importance of bees in global food supply and ecosystems is underscored, as approximately 35% of the world's food relies on pollination, which is increasingly threatened by various factors.
Read more at people.com
Pet stories like this are such a delight to read! They’re full of heart, personality, and those little moments that every pet lover can relate to that make you smile (or sad) and remind us how special our furry friends really are!
Image courtesy of people.com