Howard said:
 Secondly, this is a situation where I could not use an electric fence

Never saw a situation you could not use a E. fence but have seen plenty of
bears go through a poorly built E. fence. Some of the best e fence I have
seen uses existing trees!

Howard asks:
  does anyone have experience with another
type of fence that works?

Razor wire but I would never use as I am an animal lover. Has been used
illegally in back country I have been told.

Howard asks:
Any thoughts will be much appreciated!

Solutions to bear problems:

1. relocate bee yard (if only three hives)

2. properly built electric fence.

3. trap the bear. Many beekeepers own their own bear traps in bear country
but most forestry departments in bear country will trap problem bears for
you.

4. Kill the bear (or as beekeepers say to conservation agents "don't know
what happened to the problem bear").

If solution four is the solution bears are repeat offenders!

The best solution in my opinion is  a properly built electric fence or
relocate the bee yard. I agree expensive to build a E. fence to protect
three hives but not for a large permanent commercial yard.

The University of Montana has a E. fence design video at their website of a
e. fence which Jerry B. says will stop the most persistent bear!

Bob

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::