Parts of the famous Joshua Tree National Park in California have been closed to visitors as a result of "increased bee activity."
The bees have started gathering due to the intense temperatures in the park, clustering together near water sources.
Joshua Tree National Park said in a Facebook post that the Cottonwood Visitor Center, campground, as well as nearby restrooms and parking area, have been shut to protect visitors from the invasive honey bees, and to cut off their water supply, in the hopes they will eventually buzz off.
"Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and Cottonwood Campground are temporarily closed due to increased bee activity," the park said in the post. "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."
In the video posted to Facebook, the bees can be seen clustering underneath a car, gathering around a patch of moisture on the asphalt.
The Cottonwood Campground, situated about 30 miles north of the Salton Sea, is one of five campgrounds across Joshua Tree National Park. The park is named after the iconic Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a uniquely shaped plant that dominates the landscape and is found primarily in the Mojave Desert portion of the park.
The climate is typical of a desert environment, with daytime highs in summer often exceeding 100 F. Temperatures in Joshua Tree have soared recently, with the park seeing the mercury hit as high as 120 F last month.
This intense heat is likely why the bees are gathering, as there is less water out in the wilderness for them to drink.
The high temperatures have caused issues for other animals, with a 10-month-old Doberman puppy needing rescue after going missing in the park in early June, during a heat advisory.
"The dog was stuck on a ledge and in poor condition due to dehydration. The rescue team was able to befriend the dog with water and lifted it off the ledge. The dog was then picked up by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, who contacted the owners," the national park said in a statement.
"Pets must be with their owner on a leash at all times and are not allowed on hiking trails when visiting the park. Conditions during the summer can be deadly for pets due to increased temperatures, wildlife encounters, average ground temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and sharp cacti. We recommend leaving pets at home during harsh summer conditions."
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