Joshua Tree National Park marks the confluence of two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in this arid southern California landscape that typically receives about 10 to 13 inches of rainfall annually including a thriving population of bees.
While Joshua Tree gets some amount of rain, precipitation is unevenly distributed throughout the year, mostly concentrated during the winter months. In the summer water is scarce and Joshua Tree’s resident bee population will seek out water from any and all source including human perspiration. Bee activity peaks in the summer when the park is the driest and it can wreak havoc on trails, parking lots and campgrounds. Bees are so desperate for water they will swarm cars to soak up condensation dripping from the AC system.
When bees find a water source they then return to their hive and fan themselves inside to provide evaporative cooling. Joshua Tree warns visitors who are allergic to bees to consider visiting in the winter when bee activity is at its lowest and always have necessary medicine with you. The park recently closed Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and campground due to bee activity.
Joshua Tree National Park Statement:
Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and Cottonwood Campground are temporarily closed due to increased bee activity.
In the summer, water becomes scarce and bees seek water sources just like our other park wildlife. However, this can include condensation from air conditioners, visitor sweat, and bathrooms.
Park officials are closing the area to visitors for safety and to reduce the moisture that attracts the bees in the summer. This closure will reduce the water available for bees and give them time to leave the area.