Success StoryBeekeepers Learn Techniques for Protecting Colonies from Bears
Beekeepers Learn Techniques for Protecting Colonies from Bears
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Planning Unit: Johnson County CES
Major Program: Beekeeping
Plan of Work: Nutrition and Food Systems
Outcome: Initial Outcome
With black bears continuing to surge into eastern counties of Kentucky, more and more beekeepers are experiencing damage to their hives from foraging bears. In order to equip producers to protect their colonies, the Johnson County Extension Service offered an educational session on bear behavior. Taught by beekeeper Jayson Plaxico, a retired wildlife biologist with KDFWR, the session addressed exclusion techniques, sanitation steps, and cultural actions that discourage bears from staying in the area. Jayson also addressed bear behavior and highlighted research into bear movement patterns so that producers understood why bears were suddenly such a threat in the immediate area. A total of 13 beekeepers attended, with all reporting that they gained a greater understanding of how to fortify their hives against physical damage by bears.
Stories by Brian Jeffiers
Farmer Addresses Johnsongrass Infestation with Alfalfa
A Johnson County farmer reached out to Extension in fall 2022 needing help with johnsongrass in his ... Read More
Extension Addresses Timely Vegetable Disease Issue
In early June, the ANR agent fielded calls from three different tomato producers reporting similar s... Read More
Stories by Johnson County CES
4-H Camping
The Johnson County CEC and Adult 4-H Council identified Youth Life Skill Development as a program pr... Read More
Farmer Addresses Johnsongrass Infestation with Alfalfa
A Johnson County farmer reached out to Extension in fall 2022 needing help with johnsongrass in his ... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment