diff --git a/scatterpy/special.py b/scatterpy/special.py
index 530dc4a..475ba3b 100755
--- a/scatterpy/special.py
+++ b/scatterpy/special.py
@@ -11,10 +11,14 @@
 calculations.
 """
 
-import numba as nb
 import numpy as np
 from scipy import special
 
+try:
+    import numba as nb
+except ImportError:
+    print('WARNING: Numba support is disabled in ScatterPy')
+
 
 # special mathematical functions
 def sph_jn(n, z):