For the first time ever, a species of bumblebee is on the endangered species list.

And there's a reason why the Fish and Wildlife Services says for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, it's a "race against extinction."

The Rusty Patched Bumblebee was once the most common of the 22 species of bumblebees in Minnesota.

Bryan Bishop/Biology Dept - Concordia / Entomology: "We know they're still here, it's just very rare (laughs) very rare.."

In the 90s, billions use to buzz across 28 states from the east coast to our prairies.

listen live watch live

Georgia Parham/ US Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species and Ecological Services: "It's population has declined about 87 percent"

But now? They're only in 13 states and extremely hard to find.

This week, this bee was declared the first in the continental United States to be endangered.

Parham: "It happened in a fairly small amount of time."

Researchers say it isn't known why exactly they're dropping at an alarming rate, but say habitat loss is this insect's biggest enemy.

And while fewer bees buzzing around may not sound so bad...

Bryan: "They're actually helping provide the food we eat."

Bees pollinate nearly 1/3rd of the country's crops.

Parham: "worth about 3 billion dollars a year."

While the Rusty Patched is now protected under federal law, there isn't a set plan on how to bring them out of the "endangered zone."

"we will start to work with partners to figure out a recovery plan."

These new efforts will benefit more than just this bee.

"It's protecting habitat, which will save Rusty Patched, hopefully... but it'll help other species."

But, protection can be more than just at the federal level... you can do your part, too.

Parham: "This is an endangered species that can people directly help."

And you don't have to leave your backyard.

Bryan: "Having flowers... lots of different types of flowers."

Experts say without us, these bees don't stand a chance.

Bryan: "These bees still exist, and they exist because of people."

The only other bee on the endangered species list is the yellow-faced bee found in Hawaii.