A swarm of bees attacked a rancher utilizing an open top bulldozer to clear brush from his property when he inadvertently ran over their hive.
Unable to be removed from his vehicle, a ranch hand covered him in blankets and called emergency services for assistance.
Supported by local EMS, Sheriff’s Department, and Eldorado Volunteer Fire Department, Schleicher and Sutton County Game Wardens responded to the incident.
The volunteer fire department sprayed down the area to remove some of the bees.
One of the responding wardens, an avid beekeeper in his spare time, applied his knowledge to reach the rancher.
Wearing his personal beekeeping suits, the wardens and sheriff were able to remove the man from the bulldozer.
Since the area was inaccessible to EMS vehicles, the wardens cleared their truck and transported the severely stung operator to EMS vehicles who were waiting to take him to the hospital.
He recovered from his injuries.
Tubin’ to the Oldies
Real and Uvalde County Game Wardens received a call about a 67-year-old man who had been separated from his family while tubing down the river.
After interviewing the family and the outfitter, wardens determined that the tuber failed to exit at the designated area and continued downstream.
One of the wardens drove to a nearby ranch where he launched a drone in an attempt to locate the tuber.
At the same time the other warden spoke to the foreman of the ranch and requested assistance in locating the tuber.
The foreman spoke to a group of tubers who said they saw the individual.
The information was relayed to both wardens and based off their tips, the wardens located the individual and returned him to his family.
Shell Shocked
A warden was contacted by a state biologist about an inquiry made by a local elementary school regarding rehabilitating Texas tortoises.
After learning more about the situation, the warden determined that the school was keeping approximately 24 tortoises inside a small atrium on school property.
Unfortunately, the tortoises were a threatened species and unable to be possessed by any individual or entity.
School staff stated that several years ago they acquired two tortoises and over the years, students brought more tortoises into the facility.
The warden arrived at the school to collect the tortoises for TPWD assisted relocation.
In doing so, the curious students and staff gathered around the atrium to watch and the warden made use of the attention by turning the removal into an impromptu educational program on the tortoises and their natural habitat.
The tortoises were later released at a nearby ranch in prime Texas tortoise habitat.
