Beekeeper Dustin Bajer was alerted to a swarm of about 30,000 bees gathering on top of a second-floor window at Highlands School in north Edmonton. When he tried to coax the bees into a temporary hive, he discovered that the swarm had begun to build honeycomb and make a hive on the high ledge. Bajer said the rescue would have been easy if not for the height. A tall ladder would work, but Bajer said a bucket truck or assistance from the Edmonton Fire Department would be preferable and safer. The bees are not a danger to the public, but the location of the hive is a danger to the bees. A swarm would usually rest on the ledge while looking for a permanent place to build a hive. However, Bajer said the bees were trapped on the ledge by the rain, huddling together for warmth. “Bees are like us — they’re tropical organisms that have figured out how to live in colder climates,” Bajer said. “Things get a little rough here in Edmonton when fall hits. So it would be very difficult for them to survive our winter out in the open like that.” Bajer has a house for the bees at the John Janzen Nature Center – he just needs a lift to get them there. Anyone who can help is encouraged to contact Dustin Bajer on social media.
