Hundreds of the 4,000 native bee species in North America and Hawaii are believed to be inching towards extinction.

A new scientific study is blaming pesticide use for killing their habitats.

The report by the Center for Biological Diversity says climate change and increasing urbanisation are also factors.

It said 749 species are declining, and 347 are in peril and at risk of extinction.

Author Kelsey Kopec says it's a quiet but staggering crisis, unfolding right under our noses.