Knowledge, perceptions, and barriers influence public actions to help bees in Toronto, Canada

Abstract Despite the enthusiasm surrounding bees, the public's current knowledge is sourced from the non‐native honey bee whose life history differs from many endemic North American species. Ascertaining the public's understandings and perceptions of bees is essential to implementing publicly supported conservation initiatives that may benefit bee conservation as well as social and ecological aspects of communities, especially in large cities which are epicenters of increasing urbanization. The knowledge and perception of bees as well as current actions and barriers to their conservation among Torontonians was assessed using an online survey. Participants held correct assumptions about basic bee biology pertaining to environmental importance and decline in cities but lacked awareness regarding species richness. Nonetheless, public support for bees was universally high. Individuals were mostly involved with low‐effort actions such as avoiding pesticide use and intense management but also reported planting wildflowers as well. Most participants indicated at least one barrier to action, with lack of knowledge, time, and money being most frequently reported. These barriers, including knowledge score and demographic characteristics such as lower age and lack of degree, influenced how many actions participants engaged in. Researchers should continue to create inclusive opportunities for public engagement while incorporating inter‐disciplinary approaches to mitigate current barriers.