Every so often, bees will find an unwanted guest in their home. Lured in by the sweet smell of honey, a rodent or other small animal may make its way into the hive.
What happens next is sad, but also necessary. The bees will sting the intruder until it eventually dies.
Once it dies, and to prevent the animal from spreading bacteria and odors during decomposition, bees will secrete a antibacterial resin called propolis (a product of tree sap) along with layers of wax that cover the dead body, allowing it to mummify naturally, sealing it off from the rest of the hive. Eventually, the body dries out and turns into a preserved skeleton, causing no harm to the rest of the hive.
Very smart bees!
What is also remarkable are the properties of propolis that the bees use. It has powerful properties that act as antibacterial and antifungal. It is moisture resistant, blocks odors, and accelerates tissue dehydration. All that would be needed for this particular situation.
How would bees “evolve” to know how to sanitize a large carcass they can not move? The gathering of tree resin, the processing into antimicrobial propolis, and the decision to seal rather than remove—this is an integrated response system, not a random adaptation. It shows intelligent planning and foresight. Such foresight doesn’t evolve by accident; it was designed by God, who gave even these tiny creatures the wisdom to protect their hive.
