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

Sowing the Seeds of the Future -- A Fresh Look at Farm Succession in Canada

You’ve built a legacy through decades of farming—now it’s time to protect it. Learn how succession planning can secure your family’s future, preserve your values, and support the next generation

Documentary Sheds Light on Farmerettes who Helped Feed a Nation

Teenage Farmerettes stepped up during WWII, helping Ontario farms feed soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war while creating lasting bonds and unforgettable memories.

Pollination and Tar Spot Issues Challenging 2025 Corn Yields

Pollination issues and crop diseases like tar spot threaten US and Canadian corn yields during the week of July 21 to 25, 2025, as discussed on the Ag Commodity Corner+ Podcast.

Cultivated Pork Fat Wins USDA Green Light, Marking a Milestone for Alternative Protein

In a historic first for the pork industry and the cultivated meat sector, San Francisco-based Mission Barns has received USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) approval for its cultivated pork fat product. This groundbreaking approval includes a USDA inspection grant for Mission Barns’ pilot facility in San Francisco and label approval for its signature ingredient, Mission Fat—a cultivated pork fat designed for food manufacturers seeking premium flavor and texture in alternative protein products. “This approval validates our core technology,” said Cecilia Chang, Chief Business Officer of Mission Barns. “We’re here to give food companies and manufacturers the missing ingredient that helps their products stand out: Mission Fat.” Mission Barns also received a “no questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year, confirming the safety of its products. This dual approval from both agencies makes Mission Barns the first company in the world to g

Ceva Animal Health and WVA Celebrate Global Veterinary Excellence during the 2025 AMVA conference

Ceva Animal Health (Ceva), the fifth-largest animal health company globally, proudly continues its sponsorship of the 2025 World Veterinary Association (WVA) Awards. As a veterinarian-led company, Ceva prioritises supporting initiatives driven by outstanding veterinary professionals worldwide, honouring their achievements at the awards. The biggest honour of the night, Veterinarian of the Year, was awarded to Professor Susan W. Mbugua, who was also the winner of the Veterinary Education category. A retired Professor of Veterinary Surgery from the University of Nairobi, she revolutionised veterinary education through her expertise in complex surgical disciplines, while serving as Founding Chairperson of the Kenya Small and Companion Animal Veterinary Association and shaping professional standards across East Africa. Other winners throughout the night The prestigious awards recognised five outstanding veterinarians across different categories, each demonstrating excellence and celebrat

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service