Honey bees weren’t native to West Virginia but became common after settlers brought them to North America. The bees escaped from hives and spread quickly through the forests, even ahead of settlers.

West Virginians searched for “bee trees” that held honey and bee colonies. Since bees fly in straight lines back to their hives, people would watch them closely to find the right tree. Once they found it, they cut it down to collect the honey.

Wild honey was a special treat, and sometimes the queen bee was saved to start a new hive. Bee hunting was especially popular in May and June.