I thought of a 2-legged pest some years ago when my hives were torn up
(several time), but concluded it was a bear after (i) I found parts of
frame, comb and hive bodies some 100 yards down in the woods, (ii) with claw
marks on them and (iii) after reassembling them with what was left and some
days later sitting outside on a nice day where I could see the 2 hives I
went in the house for not more than 20 minutes and upon returning the hives
were again gone . . . same story--never saw the fleet-footed bear but that's
what it had to be.  That same summer my dog took off a furious run into the
woods and returned within 10 minutes looking very smug and pleased with
himself early in the morning just before I had to go to the train for my
commute; on the way on the other side of the high hill from where I live to
the station in my rural area I pulled over thinking there was a big black
dog again on the road that I had rescued once before, concerned that he has
loose on the road again . . . didn't open the door and drove off after I
realized it was a bear.  Pretty clear what my dog was proud of.  Anyway, I'd
vote for bear; check the wood and comb for claw marks.

On another note, my thanks and apologies for not responding (been rather
busy) to all who responded a while ago to my first post in a long time about
my dead hives.  I restocked two with Weaver bees, they seem to be thriving,
and very docile, until I tried to put supers on and, well, let's just say
I'm glad I'm not allergic, got nailed 30 or 40 times, had to run like a
cartoon character fleeing hornets.  There was apparently nothing toxic in
the dead hives since the new bees got into them and cleaned them out almost
immediately.  Don't know why they were so hot, now I'm a little concerned,
but I have cautiously approached them closely and, again, they ignored me.
Anyone had a problem with the Weaver bees?  I've ordered their Buckfast many
times and they've been pretty docile.

Jeffrey S. Tallackson
1060 New Forge Road II
Ancram, NY 12502
(518) 851-7212
(518) 567-9507 Cell
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