14 million bees are on the loose after a truck rolled over in Lynden

A truck carrying bees rolled over on Weidkamp Road in Lynden, blocking both lanes of traffic and raising concerns about potential bee escapes. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) initially estimated that 250 million bees were on the loose, later correcting the figure to approximately 14 million. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area and maintain a distance of at least 200 yards due to the risk of bee swarming. Emergency personnel, including WCSO deputies and a bee expert, responded to the scene to manage the situation. More than two dozen local beekeepers arrived to assist in the containment and rescue of the bees.

As of 3:00 p. m. , on-site efforts concluded, and officials expected the bees to return to their hives over the following day. Weidkamp Road will remain closed to traffic until at least Saturday, May 31. The incident highlights the challenges posed by transporting bees and the importance of swift response in such situations.