Both improperly leveled hives and top heavy hives can cause hives to tip over. Hives may topple in the wind, or from rains softening the earth, animals burrowing in rain-softened soil, and/or from improper ground preparation when situating hives. Animals such as ground squirrels and mice that burrow beneath or around bottom boards may also hasten the toppling of top-heavy, improperly leveled hives. Animals scratching on hives (livestock or grazing animals) may knock covers off or tip hives. Bear predation and/or human vandalism may also result in toppled hives and scattered equipment.
