RCMP are working to solve a mystery of hundreds of thousands of dead bees found dead north of Brandon.
“It's just very suspicious and I don't believe they would have died on their own, especially when they are miles apart,” said Cpl. Mike Boychuk from Brandon RCMP.
RCMP say it appears that sometime between Aug. 14 and Sept. 3 someone poisoned several hives in the RM of Elton.
Loewen Honey Farms out of Steinbach manages the bee boxes.
The manager thinks a competitor targeted his hives.
“There were threats made from a beekeeper in that area of burning hives. So, I guess he thought poisoning them was, not such a suspicious way, I guess,” said Jason Loewen.
Loewen said if it were pesticide sprayed in the area, it would have affected bees in other nearby hives.
Loewen said tests of crystallized residue found on the boxes will determine what killed the bees.
The company estimates the loss of honey sales and cost of replacing bees totals $40,000
RCMP ask anyone with information to contact them.
