Rare external beehive discovered in Southeast Missouri

PERRY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A local beekeeper has made a rare discovery in southeastern Missouri, uncovering a large external beehive.

Dave LeClere, the owner and beekeeper of LeClere Estates Apiary, is a six-year veteran of collecting swarms, he stumbled upon the nearly 2- to 3-foot-long hive, which was surprisingly empty.

LeClere estimates the hive took almost a year to build, and says he’s never seen anything like it in his experience.

“This is an extreme rarity for southeastern Missouri, you usually only see this in warmer states.” LeClere said.