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This blog explains how I keep bees. It works for me, it might not work for you. Use my methods at your own risk. Always wear protective clothing and use a smoker when working bees.

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Bears are out


This fence was made with welded livestock panels. It will not let a bear through and is electrified. Sometimes a determined bear will try to tunnel underneath it.

It was bound to happen. The first bear call. A beekeeper reported that he worked his bees on Sunday late afternoon. Returned 3 days later only to find 3 hives worth of kindling wood. The bear totally destroyed everything. It is a good idea to make sure the fencers are fired up and al the wire strands have juice in them. I always tell folks if you live where an occasional bear can show up, you might as well pony up for a fence. If you don't you will be buying new hives and a fence.
Right now in the MN Legislature there is a movement being put forth to make the bear the state mammal. I think most beekeepers would not be in the favor of the motion.
MN DNR pdf graphic on electric bear fence. I think the pricing they have in the document is several years old. But the construction is sound and will work.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dnr.state.mn.us%2Fassistance%2Fbackyard%2Fprivatelandsprogram%2Fbeehive_protection_with_electric_fence.pdf&ei=EsRrT_DTGs_egQeKoPCTBg&usg=AFQjCNEV3WeUEkLaZ4YUelEothKmr6sLkw