Men Stealing Honey Attacked by Bees: Cops

Pasco County officials are warning residents in the area of Calabash Lane to steer clear of a large bee hive found in the area Sunday morning.

Pasco County Fire Rescue received a call about the bee attack at 7805 Calabash Lane just before 11:30 a.m. When they arrived, fire rescue officials found three men being swarmed by bees. All three had as many as 50 stings on them and had to be transported to the hospital for treatment, Doug Tobin, Pasco County spokesman, said. A fourth person, a woman, was also attacked, but not seriously injured.

Firefighters used a hose, Tobin said, to disperse the bees so the injured could be cared for. No firefighters were stung in the incident.

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The men, according to the WTSP, were attempting to swipe honey from the hive at the time of the attack.

The hive is located in a tree and contains an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 bees, Tobin said. A bee keeper was called out to remove the hive, but had to wait for the bees to calm down before he could proceed, he added.

As of Monday morning, Tobin said removal of the hive is up to the bee keeper and residents. The bee keeper was expected to return soon.

In the meantime, residents living in the area are urged to use caution.

It is unclear at this time what condition the three men are in. The bees are domesticated honey bees, according to WTSP.

Stay with Patch for updates.

Patch file photo

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