A Beekeeping Odyssey: Bee Rescuers Answer the Call on Guelph Line
The Buzz Heard 'Round Guelph
Guelph beekeeper Michael Barber was enjoying a tranquil morning when a call from Halton Regional Police disrupted the serenity. A trailer, carrying an estimated five million bees, had overturned on the Guelph Line in Burlington, prompting a unique and urgent request for Barber's expertise.
The Beekeepers' Swift Response
Founder of Tri-City Bee Rescue, Barber, along with fellow beekeeper Richard Ince, swiftly responded to the call. The distressed situation on the Guelph Line required immediate attention, especially as the beekeeper on-site lacked proper protective gear.
"We grabbed our extra beekeeping supplies and beekeeping suits and gloves and just, you know, jumped in the truck and got down there as quickly as we could," explained Barber.
A Hive in Distress
Tristan Jameson, the beekeeper driving the truck and trailer, had already endured about 100 bee stings by the time Barber and Ince arrived. The bees, disturbed and seeking a target, presented a challenge that demanded expertise and caution.
A Collective Effort Saves the Day
The joint effort of Barber, Ince, and the local beekeeping community played a crucial role in minimizing bee casualties. Despite the difficulties, the coordinated response ensured that as many bees as possible were rescued from the chaotic scene.
A Grateful Conclusion
Reflecting on the incident, Barber expressed satisfaction with the collaborative effort: "We're just really happy with how everybody worked together and how everything went as smoothly as it could have possibly gone, and that nobody was seriously injured."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What prompted the beekeepers to respond to the overturned truck incident?
A1: Halton Regional Police sought the assistance of Guelph beekeeper Michael Barber and fellow beekeeper Richard Ince when a truck spilled millions of bees on the Guelph Line in Burlington.
Q2: How did the beekeepers manage the rescue operation?
A2: Armed with beekeeping supplies and suits, Barber and Ince joined forces to assist the distressed bees. Despite challenges, their coordinated efforts helped salvage as many bees as possible.
Q3: What challenges did the beekeepers face during the rescue?
A3: The beekeeper at the scene lacked proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the disturbed bees had stung him about 100 times. The timely arrival of Barber and Ince alleviated the situation.
