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I have two hives 30 minutes from my house. When I checked on them today one was completely turned over including the stand it was sitting on. The supers were still together although the outer cover and the screened bottom board had been dislodged. I had a small hive beetle oil trap under the bottom board so some bees were drowned by the oil when the hive was turned over. I got everything put back together but the bees were angry! We had a bad wind storm with tree damage on Monday evening so I assume this is what turned the hive over. I was surprised because the hive has a heavy copper top and one full 8 frame medium super of honey in addition to the brood boxes. The hives are on the NC/VA line and we occasionally have bears passing through but the supers themselves were not disturbed. I plan on checking on them in a few days to try and determine if I still have a queen. Do you have any other suggestions? Have you heard of this happening? It is possible a deer was panicked and ran into it.

It doesn't sound like a bear or other sudden and violent action. Bears would have torn apart the frames to get at the larvae and the honey. If it was top heavy and leaning, wind may have pushed it over. If there had been rain, was the base softened causing a lean to become a slow fall? Lot's of possibilities, but it sounds as if things could have been a lot worse.

If others have ideas, let us hear them. Also, keep us informed on what you find on your next inspection. Look for well placed eggs in the brood cells. If you have them, you are very likely queenright whether you see her or not.

Along with what Rob said above, I would suggest checking for eggs not less than 4 days after setting it upright, and not more than 14 days after. That will assure a queen is there, or one can be installed before laying workers begin. If you do not find eggs, you can move a frame containing eggs from your other hive into it and they will raise a new queen, or you can purchase a mated queen from one of the local suppliers. Let us know if you need assistance.