Is KILLER BEE Honey Dangerous?! In this captivating episode of
Breaking Trail, Coyote Peterson dives into the world of Killer Bee honey and the intense adventure of harvesting it from a wild hive. Since the mid-1980s, Africanized honeybees, commonly referred to as killer bees, have posed a significant threat in the Southwestern United States due to their aggressive nature and defensive behavior. Coyote teams up with bee specialist Chris Britton to monitor and extract honey from a hive nestled in Tucson, Arizona, using a drone to locate it while preparing for the dangers that lie ahead.
The Adventure Begins
The episode starts with a scenic backdrop of the desert as Coyote describes the potential dangers of disturbing a killer bee hive. These bees are hybrids born from African and European honeybees, known for being more aggressive and faster than their counterparts. With bee suits on and precautions taken, Coyote approaches the hive, realizing the gravity of the situation as he starts to get swarmed.
The Harvest
What's thrilling about this episode is the hands-on approach Coyote takes to gather honey. After locating the hive, Chris guides him on where to cut into the comb for the sweetest honey without causing harm to the bees. The extraction process involves dealing with around 30,000 bees, which poses real risks, including potential stings. As Coyote attempts to secure the honeycomb, he gets stung repeatedly, eventually counting 32 stings! This raw adventure captures the risks and thrills that come with nature exploration.
Honey Taste Test
After the intense harvesting session, Coyote presents two types of honey for a taste test: killer bee honey and honey from traditional European bees. He and his crew indulge in the flavors, noting the sweetness and unique characteristics of each. Coyote mentions that while both honeys are delicious, he finds the killer bee variety to have a distinct edge—an exciting conclusion to a high-stakes episode.
Community Insights
This video not only provides thrilling insights into the dangers of working with killer bees but also offers educational content about honey production and bee behavior. Coyote emphasizes that while killer bees can be daunting, attacks typically occur when their hives are disturbed. For those interested in enjoying honey, he recommends supporting local honey farmers rather than venturing into potentially hazardous situations.
Conclusion
Coyote wraps up the episode with a reminder about the importance of respecting wildlife and enjoying the bounty of nature responsibly. The exploration ends with humor as he jokingly compares his sticky situation to that of Winnie the Pooh. If you enjoyed this exhilarating adventure and have thoughts about bee encounters or honey tastings, feel free to share your experiences or questions below! Have any of you tried killer bee honey, or do you have favorite local honey brands you recommend? Let's discuss!
