Authorities in California’s Central Valley are urging residents to stay vigilant against the theft of beehives, a recurring issue particularly during this season. Nearly 100 hives, valued at almost $34,000, were recently stolen from an open field, as reported by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
These beehives, crucial for almond pollination during the region’s almond blossom season, vanished between January 28 and January 29 from almond orchards west of Mendota. They belong to beekeepers from South Dakota and are identifiable by their multicolored appearance and “MEB” branding.
Given the significant financial investment and the integral role of these hives in pollination, hive thefts can have devastating consequences for beekeepers, according to Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen. Beekeeping entails a complex and lengthy process, from acquiring queens to maintaining hive health over several years. Some beekeepers have resorted to using GPS and other tracking technologies to mitigate theft risks.
The theft of beehives is not a new phenomenon in the region, as highlighted by Tony Botti, a spokesperson for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He noted that such incidents typically occur during January and February when hives are set out for almond bloom, often orchestrated by individuals familiar with bee handling.
With the almond bloom season underway, authorities advise the public to be vigilant, particularly regarding suspicious activities involving the loading of beehives onto trucks. Law enforcement encourages reporting any such sightings to verify their legitimacy.
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Almonds are a significant agricultural product in the Central Valley, with approximately 80% of all U.S. almonds produced in the region. The almond bloom, which takes place between February and March, relies heavily on the crucial role of pollinating bees.
