Parts of the iconic Joshua Tree National Park are closed to visitors because of bees. Photo: Unsplash
Parts of Joshua Tree National Park have been closed due to swarms of bees.
Park officials took to social media in late August to announce the temporary closures, which include the Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and campground.
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According to reports, the bees have been attracted to the area in search of water. It’s not all that uncommon for the number of bees in the area to increase when the weather gets warmer, but this year, the number of bees buzzing around is higher than usual. It’s not just lakes and streams that are attracting the bees, though.
“In the summer, water becomes scarce and bees seek water sources just like our other park wildlife,” a post from park officials reads. “However, this can include condensation from air conditioners, visitor sweat, and bathrooms.”
The closures (hopefully, anyway) will reduce the water available to the bees and give them some time to find other sources outside the park.
As of this writing, it’s not clear when the closed areas may reopen. According to park officials, it “depends on bee activity, but can be about a week.”
