Well, I have an urban/suburban beehive (Victorian neighborhood) in a middling city (San Jose, Ca.), and the propolis in my hive is hard, ranging from dark brown color to a pale amber. The "bubble gum" consistency you mention makes me wonder if this might be something other than a natural resin. Anyone know if bees actually go after chewing gum? ;-) Do they necessarily distinguish between resin and say, something like a caulking compound? Jane