80 Year Old Beehives Found in CU!

By Melissa Moore on September 6, 2023

BOULDER, CO – AUGUST 18: A group of incoming freshmen walk through campus after moving into dormitories at University of Colorado Boulder on August 18, 2020 in Boulder, Colorado. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges and universities are instituting different strategies this fall semester, with most students living on campus attending all classes with remote instruction. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Two beehives believed to be at least 80 years old were discovered in Old Main at the University of Colorado Boulder  last month.

Miles McGaughey, a beekeeper and owner of Mountain Warrior Honey in Longmont, estimated the hives were 80 years old or older based on the colors of their layers.

‘The hives were safely extracted and rehomed, with one containing 80,000 or more bees and the other containing 100,000 to 120,000 bees. *McGaughey collected more than 60 pounds of honey during the extraction.  The bees will be temporarily rehomed over the winter before being moved to a permanent location.

The bees likely arrived in their location at Old Main because there weren’t any trees suitable for their hive at the time.

60 pounds of honey too – that is incredible! 

-Melissa