Three people left in critical condition after bee swarm attacks Aurillac town centre

A violent swarm of bees in central France injured 24 people on Sunday (July 6) during an attack in a town centre. 

The bees were so aggressive at the attack in Aurillac (Cantal, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) that three people were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Beginning around 09:30, the attack lasted several minutes and saw bees sting en masse people walking past. Hundreds of bees were said to be involved.

The Cantal department released a statement after the attack offering condolences to those injured and thanking emergency services for their help. 

The exact reasons behind the swarm’s actions remain unclear, however it is thought that something in the surrounding environment threatened or agitated the hive, leading it to attack. 

Aggressive bees, hornet attacks 

It has been confirmed however that the attack was definitely from a hive of bees, and not a similar insect. 

“Wasps are notoriously bad-tempered, killing for food. Bees, on the other hand, are more defensive and vegetarian,” said beekeeper Walid Loulidi to BFMTV. 

Therefore, the frenzy must have been caused by a perceived threat – bees generally only sting if they feel they or their hive is threatened. 

One hypothesis is that the hive felt threatened by another animal, such as an Asian hornet, although Mr Loulidi is less sure. 

‘It's unlikely… We've had the Asian hornet in France for 20 years now, and I can't see bees reacting in large numbers, leaving the hive to defend themselves against an attack.” 

Alternatively, the bees may have suffered from a genetic defect.

Several species of bee have been interbred in France, including black bees, in an attempt to increase honey yields from hives. 

Such bees may develop behavioural defects, including increased aggressiveness. 

What to do if attacked by bee swarm 

Although by no means the most dangerous animal to potentially meet when out on a walk in France, a violent swarm of bees can be deadly. 

“People do not stand a chance against a swarm of bees attacking them,” Mr Loulidi said, if the bees are in a frenzied state. 

The most important – but difficult – step is to not panic, as erratic movements can cause the bees to feel more agitated and increase their stings. 

You should find shelter as quickly as possible, or at least find a place where you are not surrounded by open air. 

“In the city, it can be more difficult to find shelter, but in the countryside you can simply take refuge in bushes full of leaves to distract the bees,” Mr Loulidi said. 

Another option, if in the countryside, is to jump into a body of water (provided it is safe to do so) as the bees will not follow.