Hello Jim & All,

As a lifelong semi driver I maybe should comment.

> I still wonder if a 'persistant' bear could gain entry into a reefer?

I doubt if the old style all steel reefer but most of these have been cut up 
for steel by now. I doubt an all steel ocean container.

If the new style with light sheet metal with quarter inch pop rivets I would 
think they could if they wanted to. Most of these are aluminum which would 
tear easy.

Using a reefer might be OK if you plan on simply pulling into a location and 
leaving forever. Its hard to go through scales with old reefers and sitting 
in a field is hard on old equipment.

The most knowledgeable beeks I know on bear control are the Wootens ( 
California). I would give Shannon or Glenda a call and ask their advice. The 
Wootens have been running bees in bear country all their lives. A picture of 
their giant bear traps has been in ABJ.

I believe Lance Sundberg would also provide information on his methods if 
asked. If you want to contact either email me direct and I will provide 
phone numbers.

With the methods provided by members of BEE-L on the way they control bears 
and perhaps from Lance or Shannon I would simply build a fence as they 
build. Once built then unless a bear tears the fence up all you need to do 
is replace the batteries at regular intervals.

With today's high prices paid for steel and aluminum I do not believe buying 
a reefer would be cheaper than a fence. Not even close. 40 foot ocean 
containers are running $1600 -2000 plus tax & delivery in our area.

If the war in Iraq ends the price of steel will drop to pre war levels 
exactly like it did when the Nam war ended. Then your 40 foot ocean 
container would be worth half as much if you went out of beekeeping and 
wanted to try to get your investment back.

An ocean container would fit the bill as no tires ,brakes or lights to worry 
about but you need set on 4-6 inches of gravel (not cheap) * and* at least 
120 feet of clearing in order to set or pickup the container. Lots of work 
in remote areas of heavy brush.

I can't really believe you are still considering a reefer. Pickup & delivery 
of reefers in our area by semi drivers is running over $2 a mile and the 
reefer has to be able to pass a scale inspection. Must have current plates.

bob

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