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Blake, Wm. For Children- The Gates of Paradise. 1793.

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Nearly 100 bee hives worth $34,000 in total were stolen from almond orchards in California during the crucial almond blossom season. This incident affected both local and out-of-state beekeepers who depend on the pollination of crops during this peak time.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and local police are offering a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen hives, urging residents to report any suspicious activities involving bee hive transportation.

Fresno County Sheriff's Office spokesperson: “This type of crime consistently happens in Fresno County around January and February as bee hives are set out for the almond bloom. They will strike at night when the bees [are] dormant or in the rain when they are not active.” 

County Farm Bureau CEO: “You’re looking at hundreds and hundreds of dollars invested in that single hive, and you just don't make that up. You don't just go buy another box, and all of a sudden have a colony.”