Chaos ensued in Texas after an 18-wheeler crashed during its route, releasing the 50,000 pounds of bees contained within.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Officials state that roughly two million bees escaped from the overturned truck in Mauriceville on Sunday.
Queen Bee Supply shared photos of the wild scene that would make every entomophobe's skin crawl. To help herd the swarms of bees, Queen Bee Supply called on every available beekeeper in the area.
"Not something you ever want to see, but so nice to see beekeepers helping beekeepers," the company wrote on Facebook. "From commercial outfits to backyard beekeepers, grateful for everyone who came out and helped!"
Orange County Emergency Services warned residents to stay indoors as crews worked to load the beehives into other transport vehicles, according to KOGT.
"We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as crews work to safely resolve this incident," the agency said in a statement.
Astonishingly, despite millions of bees escaping the wreckage, there were no reported injuries.
Additionally, no reports indicated widespread property damage beyond the initial traffic disruption caused by the escape.
The beehives were taken to a local honey farm.
Beekeepers Rescue Texas City From Bee Invasion
A beekeeper's main role is to manage and protect honeybee colonies to ensure their health, survival and productivity.
Beekeepers typically maintain hives of honeybees for the purpose of harvesting honey, beeswax, pollen, propolis, and other hive products.
On Sunday, Texas beekeepers played the role of hero, preventing a horde of bees from running wild throughout the Lone Star state.
Incidents like this are extremely rare, but highlight the importance of safety when transporting insects.
Transporting multiple hives is a common practice for commercial beekeepers who move colonies between locations for pollination services or seasonal management.
Thankfully, despite the brief moment of chaos, a larger crisis was averted in this situation.
