>>Yet, my intuition tells me: either the skunks, or my local raccoon, would have a feast on any loose honey frames... We have plenty of raccoons, opposums, and other creatures in this part of suburbia where we are one block away from a wetland preserve. I have not had a problem and have assumed bee-covered frames deter these critters. Skunks, on the other hand, I hear are drawn to hives but we don't have any skunks (that I know of) in this part of NY state. Beekeeping proves to be very local again. :) Waldemar -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---