Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Black Bears Strike But Are Repelled By Electric Fences In Ontario Beeyards

Some black bears did launch an attack on of our remote beeyards last week! 

This is what bear damage looks like, and it could have been a lot worse. The total loss was only four frames of brood. And that's because this beeyard, like all of our locations in southern Ontario, is protected by a heavy duty solar fencer.

bear damage in beeyard

Its unlikely the hive blew over in the wind - in the time that has passed since we last visited this location there hasnt been any extreme weather. But if it was upset by bears, then how did they manage to get over the fence? 

I have come to believe that a momma bear somehow managed to leap the perimeter - once. She then got the biggest electric shock of her life, and ran way back into the woods to recuperate.

The fence is only two strands of wire but they are electrified to 12 volts by a solar panel charged capacitor mechanism.  Its snaps when its at full strength. The animal must have felt the shock at least once, for it did no real damage except to knock over one beehive,

I reckon as soon as the bear got shocked on the fence it ran away bawling back into the woods. In my crime scene reconstruction I have a second perpetrator, and perhaps even a third involved in this ‘break and enter’ heist and murder of bees. 

These accomplices had the presence of mind to stay at the site and capitalize on what the first bear had achieved before they too were shocked and gave up trying to get more grub. They successfully pulled four wax frames of brood, which is what beekeepers call the queen bee’s eggs, out of the spilled container. They did manage to get four whole frames under the electrically charged wires before they too must have been shocked, and ran away back into the woods. I say that because no bear would leave that good food unless seriously deterred by electricity. When we checked the fence we found the it was giving a very high charge of 12.2 volts!

bear ate frive frames of brood - bear damage in Ontario Canada

The bears eat everything except the wood. They love the brood frames more than the honey frames and these are very nutritious and tasty especially when covered with honeybees! You can see some of the wooded splinters beside the box. They left a train of these wood frame splinters for twenty feet back into the woods. There was one collection of six or more splinters stacked near a big tree trunk which is where at least one of the animals enjoyed a tasty meal in private away from the fence and his friends.

Views: 516

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by Roadrunner on May 17, 2012 at 1:21am

Great stories and blog, I enjoy learning about bees and your challenges.

Thanks,

RR

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Winter Wheat Variety Yield and Market Share Data – 2025

Winter wheat data from the 2024-2025 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Trials (MCVET) is in! This data provides farmers with unbiased information regarding regional variety performance, allowing for variety comparison. Data was derived from small plot replicated trails from locations across Manitoba. Fungicides were not applied to these plots; thus, true genetic potential can be evaluated. Although considerable data is collected from MCVET, the disease ratings are from variety registration data. Table 2 below summarizes the yield results from the 2025 MCVET data by trial location. The yield results represent 2025 data only; therefore long-term trends should be considered when making variety selection decisions. Previous yield data can be found in past editions of Seed Manitoba. As well, apart from yield, there are other variety characteristics to consider when making variety selection decisions, these include disease, insect, and lodging resistance. Check out this Manitoba Crop Allianc

Connecting the Farm Gate to Parliament Hill

The parliamentary summer recess left many questions unresolved as issues of trade, taxation and economic competitiveness took centre stage. While Ottawa was quiet, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) was active in the field, using the summer months to connect directly with producers and show policymakers the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming. In August, we travelled from Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into Alberta on the annual GGC Summer Tour. Over five days and over 2,000 kilometres, the tour provided an opportunity to walk fields, see crop conditions firsthand and visit the operations of directors and members. Each stop highlighted both the diversity and the shared challenges of grain farming, from crop rotations and new varieties to high input costs, weather extremes and market volatility. The tour also created a platform to connect with local Members of Parliament and the media. MP Colin Reynolds joined us near Steinbach. MB, for a tour of Manitoba Crop Allian

Harvest Surges Ahead — But is Quality Holding Up?

Warm and dry conditions have been pushing harvest along across Alberta, with 42% of all crops now in the bin, according to the new crop report. That’s ahead of both the 5-year (40%) and 10-year (32%) averages. Most regions are running above their long-term pace, though the South is slightly behind its average despite being furthest along overall. Regional Progress South: 52% complete — still leading the province, though below the usual 65% average. Rye, winter wheat, and peas are nearly finished. Grasshoppers, gophers, flea beetles, and ergot have been spotted in some fields. Central: 31% complete versus a 42% average. Dry peas are nearly done at 89%, with canola swathing in full swing. North East: 41% complete — well above the usual 22%. Rye and winter wheat are already finished. North West: 41% complete, ahead of its 24% average. Cereals are nearly wrapped up, and canola harvest is just starting. Gopher numbers are running high. Peace: 38% complete, ahead of the 21% average. Peas a

Jaylor launches advanced 6000 Series TMR mixers

Jaylor unveils its 6000 Series TMR Mixers featuring quicker mixing, lower horsepower needs, and enhanced durability, helping farmers cut costs and improve feeding efficiency starting October 1, 2025.

From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara

The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is coming to West Lincoln in the heart of Niagara. With the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” this year’s IPM promises a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local heritage, and rural life.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service