Approximately 14 million bees escaped after a tractor-trailer carrying more than 70,000 pounds of pollinator hives rolled over Friday in northern Washington state, authorities said.
The commercial truck hauling the honeybees overturned at about 4 a.m. in Whatcom County, Washington, which borders Canada’s British Columbia, the sheriff’s office said in a social media post. It’s unclear what caused the truck to roll over.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office 
The hives came off the truck shortly after 9 a.m., which freed the bees. The incident happened on Weidkamp Road, which remains closed between Loomis Trail and West Badger roads, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said.
Authorities said the public should avoid the area and stay at least 600 feet away.
“While there is no general health risk to the public, anyone who is allergic to bee stings or has concerns should check the State Department of Health webpage on bees and wasps,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said the road where the truck overturned was closed for about 24 hours to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee.
More than two dozen beekeepers came to assist with the rescue, the sheriff’s office said, adding: “The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible.”
“At this time, on-scene work is done. Hive boxes from the overturned truck were recovered, restored and returned to use,” authorities said in an update. “By morning, most bees should have returned to their hives and those responsible for their delivery will be in charge.”
Initially, officials said that some 250 million bees escaped but they corrected the tally on Saturday, citing a beekeeper who assisted at the scene.
“Thank you to those who challenged the math and helped us get closer to the true number,” officials said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Initial information on the number of bees provided by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office was inaccurate and the story has been corrected.