May 1, 2019

Arsonist burns dozens of bee colonies in Alvin, Texas

A meaningless attack on beehives near a vegetable farm in Alvin, Texas drew the attention of the national media.

A county sheriff deputy found the bee boxes burning in the early morning hours of April 27, 2019, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s office.

Dozens of beehives were burned or thrown into a nearby pond. The bees had been kept by a nonprofit group, the Brazoria County Beekeepers Association, and there was at least one fruit and vegetable farm in the vicinity.

Beekeeping supplies salesman Steve Brackmann told a CNN affiliate that bees pollinate tomatoes, squash and watermelon.

The Brazoria County Beekeepers Association has offered a reward for information leading to a conviction in the case, and is collecting money to reestablish the colonies.

“I broke down in tears when I saw a floating brood frame in the water with bees still caring for the brood,” a member of the association wrote on Facebook. “When we left after setting the ones left up the bees were recovering but will remained stressed for several days. Pray that the queens are still there in the remaining colonies.”