The effect of africanized honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on the pet population of tucson: A case study

Abstract

Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera L. near scutellata Lepeltier) arrived in southern Arizona in 1993. Since their first appearance, much attention has been focused on these "killer bees." Although the initial excitement has decreased, questions about their impact remain. Attacks on domestic animals have captured the attention of the local media, causing increasing concern among pet owners and veterinarians. Are attacks becoming more common with the increase in the Africanized honey bee population, or are the attacks simply drawing excessive attention due to their dramatic nature? To answer these and related questions, veterinary clinics/hospitals in and around Tucson were surveyed. A questionnaire was designed to elicit information about the number and type of animal attacks that veterinarians see most frequently. The data derived from more than 5,000 animal attacks provide the first record of the true extent and severity of bee attacks relative to attacks by other animals. Cats and dogs accounted for the greatest number of attacks on pets. Dog attacks led to the most severe injuries, resulting in the majority of reported deaths. Snakes followed a distant third place in frequency of injury on pets. Honey bee attacks placed sixth in attack frequency and produced no permanent injuries and few deaths among the pet population. Perhaps the most remarkable finding is the relationship vis-à-vis perception and reality held by the public; that is, bee attack frequency and severity is much less than perceived.