A semi-truck loaded with an incredible 250 million bees tipped over along the Washington-Canada border road early on Friday, releasing a huge swarm and creating an unprecedented community reaction. The bees, traveling to pollinate other hives, were let loose when their hive boxes were thrown and destroyed in the accident, resulting in a potentially deadly situation for the bees and surrounding residents.
Over twenty Whatcom County volunteer beekeepers responded quickly to the scene, coordinating with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to rescue and restore the displaced hives. Based on the sheriff's office, "Hive boxes from the overturned truck were retrieved, repaired, and put back into service.” Their action was important in preventing a greater disaster, as the pollination services of the bees are essential for regional agriculture.
Officials cautioned that the escaped bees might take days to round up, advising residents to stay away from the site because of the danger posed by the upset insects. The plan was on how the bees would re-hive and find their queen, a process likely to take 24 to 48 hours. “The aim is to save as many bees as we can,” said officials, highlighting the need to limit bee loss due to their ecological and economic importance.
Katie Buckley, the Washington State Department of Agriculture pollinator health coordinator, pointed out the resilience of the bees, hoping that most of them would endure and return to their hives. "Bees are actually surprisingly resilient". But she warned that the bees were probably stressed and recommended people avoid approaching: "They're probably having a rough day".
The sheriff's department anticipates the road to reopen today (Saturday morning), when the owners of the bees will take over caring for the hives again. The reason for the accident is still under investigation.
This episode points to not only the critical importance of honey bees to agriculture—tasked with pollinating billions of dollars' worth of crops every year—but also to the commitment of local beekeepers, who came to the aid of their community and the environment.
Over twenty Whatcom County volunteer beekeepers responded quickly to the scene, coordinating with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to rescue and restore the displaced hives. Based on the sheriff's office, "Hive boxes from the overturned truck were retrieved, repaired, and put back into service.” Their action was important in preventing a greater disaster, as the pollination services of the bees are essential for regional agriculture.
Officials cautioned that the escaped bees might take days to round up, advising residents to stay away from the site because of the danger posed by the upset insects. The plan was on how the bees would re-hive and find their queen, a process likely to take 24 to 48 hours. “The aim is to save as many bees as we can,” said officials, highlighting the need to limit bee loss due to their ecological and economic importance.
Katie Buckley, the Washington State Department of Agriculture pollinator health coordinator, pointed out the resilience of the bees, hoping that most of them would endure and return to their hives. "Bees are actually surprisingly resilient". But she warned that the bees were probably stressed and recommended people avoid approaching: "They're probably having a rough day".
The sheriff's department anticipates the road to reopen today (Saturday morning), when the owners of the bees will take over caring for the hives again. The reason for the accident is still under investigation.
This episode points to not only the critical importance of honey bees to agriculture—tasked with pollinating billions of dollars' worth of crops every year—but also to the commitment of local beekeepers, who came to the aid of their community and the environment.
