Many beekeepers split their colonies to either increase their own apiaries or to sell nucs and hives to those looking for local sources. Because we live in an area where Africanized bees dominate the breeding circles, it is paramount that you discuss this with the beekeeper you are purchasing your bees from to ensure that you are getting non-Africanized colonies. This means that the queen must be either bred outside of Arizona or artificially inseminated from known stock. If you do purchase colonies that have locally bred queens, please keep them in remote locations or re-queen them as soon as possible. Prices vary, so ask around.