France stunned by rare bee attack in Aurillac

Last Sunday, a bee attack in Aurillac, France, left dozens injured, possibly due to the presence of Asian hornets. Authorities are investigating, while the mayor considers banning beehives in the area.

Last Sunday, the center of Aurillac, a small town in France, became the site of a rare and alarming event: a sudden bee attack struck dozens of passersby. The chaos is believed to have been triggered by a group of beehives placed on the roof of the Grand Hotel Bordeaux.

Authorities confirmed that 24 people were stung, including three firefighters who responded to the scene. Among the injured, three individuals were hospitalized in critical condition after showing symptoms of multiple allergic reactions. An elderly man, approximately 80 years old, even suffered a cardiac arrest but was swiftly assisted and resuscitated by medical personnel.

Fortunately, by the afternoon, the patients’ conditions stabilized, as confirmed by the fire department.

The possible role of asian hornets

The incident raised concerns among local authorities, so much so that the public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation to determine the circumstances and possible liabilities. The area was cordoned off and declared under control after several hours of interventions by municipal police and technical services. Initial theories suggest that the presence of Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) near the hives could have triggered the aggressive reaction from the swarm.

These insects, known predators of European bees, are often responsible for causing disruptions within hives, leading to aggressive behaviors from the bees as they try to defend their colony. The growing presence of invasive species like the Asian hornet in Europe further complicates the coexistence between urban beekeeping and public spaces, creating new challenges for urban safety and the management of natural heritage.

Pierre Mathonier, the mayor of Aurillac, has announced that the town council is considering a ban on beehives within the municipality. For now, the three hives will be relocated elsewhere. It’s a difficult decision, made to prevent further emergencies like this, but it’s important to remember that bees play a vital role in biodiversity by ensuring the pollination of flowers and many fruits and vegetables. Therefore, they should be protected, not demonized or endangered in the search for a “scapegoat.”

Meta description: