Posted on 05/26/2013 7:09:50 AM PDT by llevrok
Bees have been battling bad weather, loss of habitat and possible pesticide effects but now keepers are facing a new threat - bee-rustling.
Cardiff beekeeper Elaine Spence found one her hives stripped of its honey bee colony in March.
She said she knows of 10 other hives being stolen in the past year by people who need expert knowledge to do it.
BBC Wales' Eye on Wales programme has found a number of hive theft cases although no officials figures are kept.
(snip)
She tells the the current affairs programme of her devastation to discover the theft of one of her colonies.
She said: "I looked at my hive and there was no roof on it. I was lost for words.
Honeybee Honeybees are vital for pollinating crops - a job that would be very costly without them "I lifted what remained of the hive to have a look and it was just empty inside.
"All bee-keepers strive to ensure that their bees last through the winter: you care for them, they're a bit like part of your family, really.
"And to come and find that they have just been taken from you - it was really distressing." (snip)
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
I'm sure they discount the "queen" title and see her simply as a female that remains in the hive and cranks out larvae. Heck, their culture could easily be based on honeybee mimicry.
That "insect overlords" quote might be more relevant than we've realized thus far.
Yeah, and you know, stealing animals is arab second nature. Not a goat, sheep, camel or bee is safe.
I can't imagine my outrage if someone stole my hive.
The tough part of bee rustling is learning to handle those tiny lassos.
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