A beekeeper in Chippewa County is offering a reward for information about his stolen beehives. The keeper said if the hives aren’t found his business will lose time and money.
Dane Wallis with D&S BeeKeepers in Sault Ste Marie said when he started this year’s bee season he had nine hives.
In May, four hives were stolen and police are still trying to find the culprit.
Wallis said even if he replaces the hives, he lost valuable time and might not be able to make up the loss.
“I have a full season up here for that hive to develop its nest, to build all the wax combs, and everything. So it is a pretty good hit, It is definitely going to be noticed.”
Wallis said raising new hives requires special equipment. He says if the robbers don’t have the necessary tools, the bees won’t have the space to grow.
“These hives were young hives just starting out and they needed to be built upon. As the summer progresses the bees get bigger, so you need more equipment. ”
Wallis said if the hives aren’t found, his business will be set back a year. He says with donations from the community, he is offering a $1000 reward for information about his hives.
Police officials said they are relying on tips from the community to find the hives. Police say if you have any information on the hives, call the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department at 906-635-6388.