• A bear broke into a beekeeper's apiary in Bazetta Township, Ohio, consuming an entire hive of bees.
• The beekeeper, Jeff Bonner, discovered the damage through a motion-triggered video notification.
• Bonner has since reinforced his apiary with electric fences, motion-detecting lights, and straps to secure the hives.

A bear broke into Jeff Bonner's bee hives in Bazetta Township, Ohio, this week. Bonner received a notification from a motion-triggered camera at his apiary, revealing the bear's presence. The bear destroyed a hive containing an estimated 10,000 to 50,000 bees, consuming the bees, wax, and frame. Bonner contacted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and has since taken measures to protect his remaining hives.

• What: A bear broke into a beekeeper's apiary, destroying a hive and consuming the bees and wax.
• Who: Jeff Bonner (beekeeper), Bear, Ohio Department of Natural Resources wildlife officer.
• When: The incident occurred sometime before Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. Bonner discovered it upon receiving a notification on his phone.
• Where: Bazetta Township, Ohio (Bonner's apiary).

The incident highlights the challenges faced by beekeepers in areas where bears are present. The beekeeper's quick response in reinforcing his hives demonstrates proactive measures to mitigate future losses. The consultation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources emphasizes the importance of understanding local wildlife and implementing appropriate preventative strategies.

"There was a video, a motion-triggered video, here in the beehives...So I looked at it, and, 'Oh my gosh,' it was a bear, and never had that experience before."

"I found the hive way out there in the woods. The frames I found were basically clean. It looks like he ate the frame, the wax that was there, and the bees. Everything was gone."

"He literally ate a whole hive of bees."

"The wildlife officer told me this is considered bear country."

"It's jury-rigged right now because I had to get it up quick because I didn't want to lose another hive."

A bear's intrusion into a Bazetta Township apiary resulted in the destruction of a bee hive. The beekeeper has responded by fortifying his apiary to prevent future incidents. This event serves as a reminder of the need for beekeepers in bear country to take preventative measures to protect their hives.