Shauna,


        I've moved hives more than a few feet.  Here is how to do it.
At night, stuff grass in the slot between the bottom board and the
bottom super.  There should be no entrance reducers, just the normal
gap.  Stuff it in there pretty good so that it will take some effort by
the bees to remove it but not so much that they can't get out.  Seal off
any other openings/enrances.  Do not forget the top cover.  If you use a
telescoping lid that is easy to seal up.   Once this is done, secure the
hive to itself so that it won't break open as you move it.  You can buy
special nails, or you can use boards and drywall screws as I did.  I
liked this method as I did not have to beat on the nails to secure the
supers together, so I didn't agitate the bees more than I had too.  Use
your ingenuity to figure out what best works for you.  Now comes the
tough part, actually moving the hive.  I don't know what state your's
are in after a few bear attacks but this time of year, my hives are
usually pretty heavy.  Anyway, get them into some sort of vehicle,
secure it well and take it to your new yard.  Place the hive there,
uncleat it or unsecure it so you can work the hive at a later date.
Remember, you are doing this at night. Leave the openings closed up.
Leave the grass in place.  Let the bees remove the grass themselves the
next day.  This way, they will know something has changed and will
re-orient when leaving the hive for the first time after the grass is
removed.  After the grass is removed, you may unseal any other entrances
but there is no real hurry to do that.  I've done this several times and
have had no problems and minimal bee loss.  Others may have better ways
to move your bees but this is what has worked for me.  Good Luck.  You
may also want to set up a bear proof electric fence.  There are videos
to show you how to do that.  Draper's Super Bee Apiary has a copy of the
Bear Fence Video that you can buy or rent.  Check it out at
http://www.draperbee.com/.  There may be other sources too but this is
one I can think of right off.  We have lots of bears around here and you
don't set up an Apiary without bear protection or you will loose your
hives. I hope this helps.

TTFN,

Jeff Holbrook

Kingbird Region 3
East Corning, NY