This map shows the current area where the killer bees have been found in black. The darker brown shaded areas show their potential range. Recently the news about killer bees, or africanized bees, has died down. However, they are now thriving in several states, and just getting meaner by the year! These monster bees were created by a scientist in Brazil who had crossed African and European honeybees, when some escaped from his lab... They began moving north at the rate of 200 miles a year. The bees entered Texas in 1989, and have spread thru Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. The bees become dangerous after they start building combes in their nest, start storing honey, and produce young. Then they become hyper-defensive, and very aggressive. A normal bee hive if disturbed may produce 10-20 stings, but an Africanized nest may produce 1,000 stings or more. The bees may be aggressive for up to a full day, and 1/4 mile from their nest. Sometimes the stings can be fatal, especially to the elderly. In Tucson, Arizona, the bees have been around since 1994 and there has been a 10 fold increase in stinging incidents, many involving multiple stings of 30, 50, or 100 stings. Horses and dogs can easily be killed by these bees, as reports from Arizona indicate. In South America, these bees have taken more than 1,000 lives, and about 8 in the US. If stung, get away as quick as possible (get on your bike and take off!). Get into a car or building if possible. Cover your face with a jacket or shirt and RUN. The odds of meeting them face to face while biking is low, but you should be aware of their range, and the potential danger that they can cause. Now get out and ride!! |
