A problem that just won't buzz off
By Ralph Jennings |
March 20, 2010, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AFTER being stung by complaints, Taiwan officials have traced the mysterious yellow gunk that has splattered cars and laundry for weeks to a seasonal influx of bees, and their droppings.
Bees attracted to farms and plant nurseries near the densely populated city of Kaohsiung have smothered a neighborhood with their droppings since February, irritating residents who could not figure out where the mess was coming from.
Chen Kung-fu, a vice section chief with the municipal environmental protection unit, said an investigation was launched after residents complained about the mess.
The bee count should decline in April after flower season, Chen said, but until then, there is nothing the authorities can do.
"Bees are hard to stop because of their flight speed," Chen said. "But the faeces can't hurt people."
Widespread urban development in wildlife rich Taiwan has pushed into the island's farms and sub-tropical forests, making human contact with flora and fauna common.
Bees attracted to farms and plant nurseries near the densely populated city of Kaohsiung have smothered a neighborhood with their droppings since February, irritating residents who could not figure out where the mess was coming from.
Chen Kung-fu, a vice section chief with the municipal environmental protection unit, said an investigation was launched after residents complained about the mess.
The bee count should decline in April after flower season, Chen said, but until then, there is nothing the authorities can do.
"Bees are hard to stop because of their flight speed," Chen said. "But the faeces can't hurt people."
Widespread urban development in wildlife rich Taiwan has pushed into the island's farms and sub-tropical forests, making human contact with flora and fauna common.
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