Bobcats and Bee Hives

Carol · February 27, 2014, 01:52:43 PM

Anyone ever hear of a Bobcat bothering a hive? I spotted one a couple days ago a very short distance from my place. Have noticed "scat" near one of the hives twice...same spot. I looked it up online and looks like it could be Bobcat scat. So far, I've not seen any problem...it might just be marking it trail...but could put my hurricane tiedowns on once I don't have to feed.

BeeMaster2 · February 27, 2014, 02:20:44 PM

I doubt if they would bother your hive. Probably just curious.
Jim

skatesailor · February 27, 2014, 02:27:00 PM

More than likely it was checking for the mice that are underneath or in the hive. I get fox, coyote, bobcats and my own cats constantly checking the hives.

marktrl · February 27, 2014, 03:01:13 PM

I'd be more worried about bears. I had 2 young ones tormenting my hives last August. Lost 1 hive and another one is still trying to recover. I had to put up an electric fence. What part of Central Florida are you in?

Carol · February 27, 2014, 04:22:30 PM

about 20 mi NE of Orlando...and a bear was spotted a few miles down the road a year ago...

annette · February 27, 2014, 07:57:46 PM

A couple of years ago there was a bob cat hanging around my hives, but nothing ever happened.

Carol · February 28, 2014, 02:30:10 PM

Annette....good to hear...I really like having these critters around. Getting so there just isnt any place for them to live.

Redbug · February 28, 2014, 05:51:07 PM

That sounds like a male bobcat. He is probably making his rounds and has places that he sprays with his urine and defecates marking his territory. That's what you are seeing. Male house cats are the same way. That's how they know who else has been around and it's a form of communication. I don't think Mr. Bobcat is any threat to your hives. In fact, I would enjoy having him around. Why not get a game camera and set it up?

Carol · February 28, 2014, 09:53:03 PM

He is definately welcome here. Went out walking today hopeing to see him again. Found another scat that looked like it might be his but a bit down the road. I was checking palms for blooms.

Would love a trail cam...but if I were spending the money I'd have a cam on the hives instead.

capt44 · February 28, 2014, 11:16:23 PM

Here in Central Arkansas we have a lot of Bobcats.
There is an ole saying, For every cat you see there's 25 you don't see.

Carol · March 04, 2014, 08:18:56 PM

Capt44....I sure hope you are right. :yippiechick: