The theft of 128 beehives from a Stanislaus County beekeeper has authorities concerned they may see more beehive thefts in the future.
A beekeeper in Hughson says the stolen bees were worth about $26,000. They had been shipped from another beekeeper in Wyoming to help with almond pollination. Shipping bees to the Central valley is a common practice, with
orchard owners paying for the bees so they will help pollinate almond trees and other crops during the winter and spring. But this year bees are scarcer than usual because of an infestation by mites. Beekeepers say the shortage has already raised the price per beehive.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 2:25 pm