Africanized Honey Bees also called Africanized bees or killer bees descend from south Africa bees imported in 1956 by Brazilian scientists thaattempting to breed a honey bee better adapted to the South American tropics.
When some bees escaped from quarantine in 1957, they began breeding with local Brazilian honey bees, quickly multiplying and extended their range throughout South and Central America at a rate greater than 320 Km per year. In the past decade, they began invading North America. Africanized bees acquired the name of killer bees because they attack people and animals who unwittingly stray into their territory, resulting in serious injury or death.
It is not necessary to disturb the hive itself to initiate an attack. Africanized bees have been know to respond viciously to mundane occurrences, including noises or even vibrations from vehicles, equipment and pedestrians. Though their venom is no more potent than native honey bees, these 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.
When some bees escaped from quarantine in 1957, they began breeding with local Brazilian honey bees, quickly multiplying and extended their range throughout South and Central America at a rate greater than 320 Km per year. In the past decade, they began invading North America. Africanized bees acquired the name of killer bees because they attack people and animals who unwittingly stray into their territory, resulting in serious injury or death.
It is not necessary to disturb the hive itself to initiate an attack. Africanized bees have been know to respond viciously to mundane occurrences, including noises or even vibrations from vehicles, equipment and pedestrians. Though their venom is no more potent than native honey bees, these 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.
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