The Williamsburg Area Beekeepers Association (WABA) had the pleasure of welcoming guest speaker Katie Martin, Deer-Bear-Turkey Biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), at our meeting on March 13, 2025. Katie delivered a fascinating presentation on bears and their impact on beekeeping, offering valuable insights to our members.
Bears are known to be a significant challenge for beekeepers, as they are naturally drawn to beehives in search of honey and protein-rich bee larvae. Katie provided expert knowledge on bear behavior, their interactions with beekeeping operations, and effective strategies for protecting hives from potential damage. Her talk covered best practices such as electric fencing, hive placement, and deterrents to minimize conflicts between bears and apiaries.
Our members engaged in a lively discussion, sharing their own experiences and learning new techniques to safeguard their hives. The presentation was both educational and engaging, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation for the importance of coexistence with wildlife.
WABA extends our sincere gratitude to Katie Martin for her time and expertise. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support local beekeepers and promote responsible beekeeping practices in harmony with Virginia’s diverse wildlife.
Leave a Reply