A really good electric fence will (reportedly) keep bears away. I think there are even some that can be powered by solar-charged batteries. There are beekeepers here with bear-protected remote yards who may be able to suggest brands, etc.
As to the absence of a couple of weeks - it depends. In winter, not a problem if the bees are left in good order. While in soome other seasons it could be fine, in others you may need to do stuff every week. For instance in the Spring there is more frequent care needed to avoid swarming. I find I am checking my hives weekly or every ten days. (In this case "checking" doesn't mean going to see them - it means opening them up and rearranging thing inside.) And early on, when they are first getting established, I think it would be better to be able to at least observe them weekly.
And in the event of a big external problem, bad storm, bear attempt, vandalism, or a bee problem like robbing or loss of a queen, a lengthy absence could result in a total loss that if it had been noticed and corrected could have been salvaged.
But speaking as a not-quite one year beekeeper: I wouldn;t want to be away from my bees for weeks at a time, they're far too fascinating!
Maybe you could do something in-between for your first summer: find a local beekeeper and go help them when you're at your vacation place to see if you really love bees (and get some expereince at the same time.) You know people keep bees in the City, too.
Enj.
As to the absence of a couple of weeks - it depends. In winter, not a problem if the bees are left in good order. While in soome other seasons it could be fine, in others you may need to do stuff every week. For instance in the Spring there is more frequent care needed to avoid swarming. I find I am checking my hives weekly or every ten days. (In this case "checking" doesn't mean going to see them - it means opening them up and rearranging thing inside.) And early on, when they are first getting established, I think it would be better to be able to at least observe them weekly.
And in the event of a big external problem, bad storm, bear attempt, vandalism, or a bee problem like robbing or loss of a queen, a lengthy absence could result in a total loss that if it had been noticed and corrected could have been salvaged.
But speaking as a not-quite one year beekeeper: I wouldn;t want to be away from my bees for weeks at a time, they're far too fascinating!
Maybe you could do something in-between for your first summer: find a local beekeeper and go help them when you're at your vacation place to see if you really love bees (and get some expereince at the same time.) You know people keep bees in the City, too.
Enj.
