Truck overturns in Washington state, releasing millions of bees

Authorities in Whatcom County, Washington, issued a warning Friday after a truck carrying honey bee hives overturned near the Canadian border, initially prompting fears that millions of bees had been released.

Emergency crews responded to the scene with the help of experienced beekeepers. The truck had been hauling approximately 70,000 pounds (31,750 kg) of active hives when it flipped on a local road.

While initial estimates suggested up to 250 million bees may have escaped, local officials later revised the number down to around 14 million, based on information from beekeepers involved in recovery efforts.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said the crash site would remain closed until the bees could be safely re-contained. “The goal is to save as many bees as possible,” the office said.

Authorities hope the bees will re-hive and regroup around their queen within 24 to 48 hours. Over two dozen beekeepers from the local community assisted with the effort.

By Friday evening, WCSO said most of the bees were expected to return to their hives. 

Bees are often transported for commercial purposes not only for honey production, but also to assist farmers with pollination during crop cycles.

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