In Washington, there was an extraordinary event. On the road, a truck that transported a huge number of honey bees overturned - about 250 million insects were at large. This was reported on May 30 by the Sheriff District Office Watko on his Facebook page.
The truck transported about 32 tons of hives with honey bees. After the accident, the bees flew in different directions, which poses a potential threat to local residents and drivers. Due to the risk of swarming and aggressive behavior of bees in a stressful state, the authorities urge people to avoid areas near the scene.
Two hundred and fifty million bees are now at large. Avoid the terrain because of the possible spread of bees and because of their swarming, according to the official statement of the sheriff's office.
Police officers, public management employees, and Governor specialists who have experience in collecting and returning bees to the hives arrived at the scene. The plan of action is to allow the bees to gradually gather and find their uterus. It is a process that can last from 24 to 48 hours.
The goal is to save as much bees as possible, the press service emphasized. To ensure safety, the road where the accident occurred will be closed by at least on the morning of May 31.
Honey bees play a critical role in pollination of crops and support of the ecosystem. Losses of such insect volume can have serious consequences for agriculture and biodiversity in the region.
In addition, bees in a stressful state can be aggressive, so locals are urged to remain calm and not approach the swarm zones to avoid bites.
The causes of the truck are still installed. The investigation is ongoing, the police and experts are working to find out the circumstances of the accident.
