Fear of bees unfounded, experts say

EVANSTON, Ill., May 12 (UPI) -- Gabriel Jacobs, an Evanston, Ill., teenager, spent a year researching bees and was ready to bring home 12,000 bees when neighbors became concerned.

Some of Jacobs' neighbors say having a hive that could grow to accommodate 60,000 to 80,000 bees poses a danger to the neighborhood, which has small lots and is home to children and pets.

Bee experts say that although the neighbors' concerns are natural, they are unfounded, for the most part, The Chicago Tribune reported.

"Typically a swarm of bees is not aggressive in any way, shape or form," said Steve Chard, apiary inspection supervisor for Illinois' Agriculture Department.

About 1,200 registered honeybee keepers in Illinois keep more than 20,000 colonies -- 500 in Cook County -- said Ken Haller, president of the Illinois State Beekeepers Association.

Major cities, including Chicago, not only support the practice but encourage beekeeping. The rooftop of City Hall is home to two hives.