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Authorities posted several pictures showing the charred beehives littering the ground of the bee yard.

Steve Brackmann, owner of Bear Creek Bee Recovery, told ABC Houston station KTRK that it takes a long time to establish a colony -- up to a year for a full one -- and that the queens were probably killed.

About 20 bee hives and 24 colonies were destroyed just as honey season in the area is kicking off, KTRK reported. Between 500,000 and 600,000 bees were killed, Brackmann said.

\"PHOTO:
Brazoria County Beekeepers Association via Facebook
PHOTO: More than half a million bees have been killed after 20 hives were torn apart and burned in Alvin, Texas.
>

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the vandalism, authorities said. More than $12,000 has been raised to rebuild the colonies.

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