A 71-year-old California woman was attacked by well over 70,000 bees, stinging her more than 1,000 times. She is expected to live to tell the tale. The incident occurred in Desert Springs, California, within a gated community in the Coachella Valley.
A Verizon employee opened an underground vault containing fiber optic cables. Inside, the unlucky worker uncovered two tremendous nests, holding as many as 80,000 Africanized honey bees. Average hives in the area contain fewer than 5,000 individuals.
The angry insects first stung the worker, before turning their attention to an unsuspecting woman nearby. In town to visit relatives, she was exiting her car when she was suddenly attacked by the stinging insects. Members of her family who were there with the victim threw a blanket over her, in order to discourage the attacks.
When firefighters arrived, the swarm turned on them as well, sending five rescue workers to the hospital. Three of the firefighters were stung while assisting the victim, while two others were injured by the bees while keeping a crowd of onlookers away from the scene. The Sheriff's office used the reverse 911 system to warn all residents within a two-mile radius to stay inside homes until the insects were captured.
"They're quick to anger, and they are relentless in their attack. If it takes the whole hive to protect against an intruder, or someone perceived to be an intruder, they will do it," Lance Davis, owner of Lance Davis Killer Bee Live Removal, told the press.
Early March is a common time for bees to start leaving their hives in search of pollen. Africanized bees often attack when they hear noises. That means anyone using a lawnmower or other power tool can quickly become the target of their anger. Bees of this variety have been known to chase victims as far as a quarter mile.
Professional beekeepers use smoke to slow down the insects. The smell also confuses pheromone signals that coordinate attacks.
After Davis arrived, he smoked out the remaining bees and vacuumed them up. The insects were then transported to farmers to assist with crop pollination.
It is likely the bees chose the underground vault as a nest site since it was quiet and largely free of visitors. These insects normally build nests in walls and attics for the same reason.
The victim was treated for shock. A second woman was also stung, but was able to drive herself to an area hospital. Her condition is currently unknown.
