Concerns Arise Over B.C.'s Erratic Temperature Swings and Their Impact on Bees and Cattle
Recent drastic temperature fluctuations in British Columbia have sparked worries regarding the well-being and survival of local animals, particularly bees and cattle.
In Abbotsford, located in the Fraser Valley, temperatures swung from a frigid low of -15.4°C on January 12 to a balmy high of over 18°C this week. Such extreme fluctuations raise concerns, especially for bee populations, according to Alison McAfee, a bee researcher at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
McAfee emphasizes the dangers posed to bumblebee populations by these erratic temperature changes, as premature emergence from hibernation due to "false springs" could threaten queen bees. A sudden drop in temperature while they are foraging or establishing nests could be fatal for them.
Mike Wallace, the executive director of the BC Cranberry Growers’ Association, expresses concerns about the potential impact on bee populations and subsequently, the pollination of local berry crops, including cranberries.
While it remains too early to determine the full extent of damage to bee populations, ranchers are also closely monitoring the situation, particularly its effects on cattle. Kevin Boon, the general manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association, highlights the challenges faced by cattle due to rapid temperature shifts. Ranchers are taking measures such as providing shelter, bedding, and adjusting feed to mitigate the adverse effects on their herds.
Moreover, the sudden warm weather leading to premature snowpack melting raises concerns about exacerbating drought conditions, which could affect feed production for cattle.
McAfee expresses broader concerns about the plight of North American bumblebee species, including the western bumblebee, which faces extinction risks exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns and temperature swings induced by climate change.
As B.C. grapples with these challenges, stakeholders emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable animal populations and mitigate the impacts of climate-driven disruptions on agricultural activities.
