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In the winter of 2002, our
Ojos Negros research group
visited Arroyo El Barbon, in Baja California, Mexico.
The task at hand was to locate and inspect several
water wells in the vicinity.
We hoped to use this information to learn more about the
depth to the water table.
Evolving
sand-mining
regulations were requiring an operator to
maintain an undisturbed, unsaturated layer of 4-m minimum thickness for
the protection of the aquifer.
As we approached one of the wells,
we noticed something unusual.
We soon realized that it was poorly maintained and that
bees had established a hive on the well head.
A junior member of our team suggested that we get rid of the bees and proceed to inspect the well.
My response was quick and left no room for misunderstanding.
I said: "Let's get the heck out of here."
It is an extremely risky proposition to disturb a beehive,
no matter how important the task.
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