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Arizona Death By Bees Raises Concern For Nevada

Last week, a swarm of 800,000 bees killed a 32-year-old landscaper in Arizona.

Just three weeks ago, Africanized bees killed at least two dogs in Las Vegas, said Jeff Knight, Nevada state entomologist. In June of this year, the Las Vegas Sun reported that bees swarmed and killed a Las Vegas police dog. According to Knight, if you see a bee in Las Vegas, it is likely to be of the Africanized variety.

Africanized honey bees, nicknamed "killer bees" because of their more aggressive nature, crossed into the United States in the 1970s.

Some 40 years later, they populate almost all of our warmer, southern states. And sometimes, they live up to their nickname. The killer bees acquired the nickname because they will viciously attack people and animals who unwittingly stray into their territory, often resulting in serious injury or death.

Though their venom is no more potent than native honey bees, Africanized bees attack in far greater numbers and pursue perceived enemies for greater distances. Once disturbed, colonies may remain agitated for 24 hours, attacking people and animals within a range of a quarter mile from the hive.

GUEST

Jeff Knight, Nevada state entomologist
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