Are bees native to North America?

Bees are not originally native to North America, with the exception of a few specific species of solitary bees. The most commonly known bee, the honey bee (Apis mellifera), is actually native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and was brought to North America by European settlers in the early 1600s. While many native species of bees exist in North America, such as various bumblebees and solitary bees, the introduction of honey bees significantly changed the dynamics of pollination and agriculture in the region. This context illustrates how the answer reflects the historical introduction of specific bee species and the broader ecosystem of pollinators in North America.