The heavy-duty chain-link fencing as recommended by a pervious poster is a 
good alternative, but it is not without its own unique problems.  I have 
seen  black bears roll over a large dog kennel type bee enclosure that was 
perhaps 15 X 15 feet wide.  After a remedy was made to secure the 
enclosure to the ground, I saw evidence that bears were pulling back the 
heavy wire fence in some places, reaching inside and tipping hives.  A 
bear did eventually gain entry by pulling back the fence enough to squeeze 
through, and caused damage to hives.  Perhaps, a wire cage may work, but 
IMO would require routine; perhaps weekly inspection of the enclosure.

Joe       

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