Dozens of beehives stolen from Foothills farm

A Foothills County beekeeper said he is shocked after realizing dozens of beehives were stolen. 

The thefts were recently discovered and are thought to have taken place between April 17 and 30, beekeeper Jon Zwiers said. 

Zwiers said 57 hives are missing from four locations around the Foothills, including from an area west of Okotoks. 

“Someone has come in with a truck and trailer probably,” he said. 

Three of the thefts were discovered on April 29 and the fourth was discovered on April 30, he said. 

“It had happened again,” he said. “It’s an awful scenario.” 

The beehives belong to Honey Meadow Farms in Foothills County, and Zwiers said the thefts almost left him in tears. 

The hives are painted a unique "earthy" pastel colour that is distinct from other commercial beehives in the area, he said. 

He said the thefts have been reported to RCMP. 

The Western Wheel contacted police for more information but did not immediately hear back.