Sep 1, 2006 11:28 am US/Central
Private Beekeeper Removes North Center Swarm
Bees Took Over Sidewalk, Tree On Residential Block
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
A swarm of bees that congregated on a sidewalk in the
North Center neighborhood has been removed by a private beekeeper.
The bees had taken over a tree and part of a sidewalk at Grace and Leavitt streets.
"Yesterday the bees were out and about," neighborhood resident Victor Zavala said on Thursday before the bees were removed. "I was scared to come out of my house. That's how many bees there were." Zavala lives about 20 feet from a where a large bee pile stood.
Late Thursday, a private beekeeper came in to remove the bees. The name of the beekeeper was not immediately available.
Some residents had said earlier they hoped city crews would make it their business to remove the bees. Neighbors said after numerous calls to various city entities, no one wanted to do anything about the bees, although rodent control later said they would take care of it.
University of Illinois Entomology Professor Gene Robinson said it is wise to be cautious around bees, even if they do look like they are minding their own business. They can be hazardous if disturbed.
He said that a pile of bees on a sidewalk was definitely unusual and no one seemed to know exactly why they were there.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
