Genetic tests show a swarm of bees that attacked a tree removal crew in Las Cruces this summer was Africanized. New Mexico State University bee expert Carol Sutherland says tests recently completed at Oklahoma State University confirm the bees were the aggressive hybrids. Africanized bees are extremely dangerous, especially to those who are allergic to bee stings, because they sting in greater numbers than European honey bees.
The bees attacked the crew on July 18 as workers were removing a dead cottonwood tree at the historic Alameda House. Authorities shut down a section of nearby Alameda Boulevard and nearby residents were urged to stay indoors until the bees settled down.
Two workers were hospitalized. A 52-year-old man sustained numerous stings and was originally in critical condition but recovered. A second worker was treated and released from a hospital.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.