• 250 million bees escape in Washington after a semi-truck carrying hives overturned near the Canadian border.
• Beekeepers rushed to the scene to recover the hives and reduce bee loss.
• Officials warned locals to stay away while bees may form new hives in the area.

A semi-truck crashed early Friday morning in rural Whatcom County, Washington. The truck carried about 70,000 pounds of honey bee hives. That’s roughly 250 million bees. The accident happened around 4 a.m. near the Canadian border, just north of Seattle.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly. They confirmed that the bees escaped after the truck overturned. Officials urged people to stay far from the scene. The Washington Emergency Management Division warned on X, “Don’t go anywhere near them.” The area became dangerous because of the huge swarm.

Beekeepers Rush In to Save What They Can

Emergency crews called local beekeepers to help. More than two dozen beekeepers showed up to collect the bees. They acted fast to reduce the loss. Derek Condit, a beekeeper, explained the process. He said they picked up bee boxes and placed the honey frames back inside. They restacked everything on pallets to keep the bees alive.

Matt Klein, Deputy Director of Emergency Management, also helped. He said, “When they said 200 million bees, they meant it.” Klein got stung at least twelve times. He still had stingers in his ears by the end of the day. But he said honeybee stings aren’t as painful as others. “So far, everybody is fine,” he added.

Escaped Bees May Form New Hives in Area

The escaped bees started to fly off and settle nearby. Derek Condit said the bees would likely build new hives. He added that they might help pollinate the area. However, he also warned of major losses. Many of the bees might not survive.

Despite the danger, the sheriff’s office confirmed there’s no general health risk. People should still avoid the area until the beekeepers finish their work. Safety crews will continue to monitor the situation.

Truck Was Transporting Bees After Blueberry Pollination

The truck had just left a blueberry field where the bees had pollinated crops. It was heading to South Dakota for more work. Bees play a big role in farming and food production. They help pollinate many types of fruit and vegetables.

Whatcom County depends on bees for its berry industry. Bellingham, the county seat, is home to Bee City USA. This group protects and supports bee populations. It also promotes safe beekeeping and helps farmers.

Whatcom County Has Faced Insect Crises Before

This isn’t the first time Whatcom County has made headlines because of insects. In 2020, officials found the first murder hornet nest in the United States there. The incident caused panic and drew national attention.

Now, with millions of honeybees flying free, the area is once again on alert. Officials remind residents not to go near the bees. They say it’s best to let trained experts handle the recovery.

Keep Away Until the Bees Are Contained

Authorities continue to clear the area and gather the bees. Beekeepers and emergency crews are working hard to control the situation. They hope to save as many bees as possible.

For now, stay away from the crash site. The swarm may seem calm, but it still poses a risk. The bees are disoriented and could sting if they feel threatened. If you live nearby, keep your distance and wait for an official update.