Bee Keeping in Black Bear Country

Beekeeping has been a desire for my husband for a few years now and we recently made the investment in our first hive! YAY!

All was going well until...you guessed it...a BEAR ATTACK!

Not only were multiple frames destroyed but our first queen sadly perished.

After this we moved the hive, purchased a new queen and added a perimeter of electric fence around the hive.

Alright, all is well in the bee world.

UNTIL...yep...bear attack #2 - just one week later!

This time we made the bear awfully mad with our electric fence. You can see in the photos that they decided they would let us know how mad they were by destroying our yard around the hive.

Luckily this time our queen went unscathed!

Beekeeping in black bear country certainly adds an extra layer of challenge and consideration. Black bears are attracted to beehives because of the honey and larvae, so we have now learned...the hard way...it's crucial to take extra measures to protect your hives and ensure the safety of the bees.

We now have an extra hardy fence alongside the electric fence around the hive.

So far, so good. Hopefully we are in the clear!

Here are some tips we've learned for beekeeping in black bear territory:

1. Secure Your Hives: Use sturdy, bear-proof enclosures or fencing around your hives. Electric fencing can also be effective in deterring bears....sometimes they just break through it and destroy your hive and yard anyways. HAHA
   

2. Minimize Odors: Bears have an acute sense of smell, so it's important to minimize odors that might attract them.
   

3. Regular Inspections: Check your hives regularly to ensure they are intact.

4. Educate Yourself: Learn about bear behavior and habits in your area. Understanding their patterns can help you better anticipate and prevent potential encounters.
   

5. Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case you do encounter a bear while tending to your hives. Know how to react calmly and safely.
   

Check out the claw marks on one of our frames!