3 beloved rodeo horses killed in bee attack, fire department says

3 beloved rodeo horses killed in bee attack, fire department says
















Three rodeo horses considered to be like “family” to their owners were killed during an attack from Africanized bees, according to authorities in Texas.

The Comanche Volunteer Fire Department said it responded to a call about bees attacking horses Friday.

First responders said the owners of the horses sustained numerous bee stings while attempting to move the horses away from the attacking swarm.

Comanche County EMS arrived on scene and quickly took the two owners into the ambulance.


Firefighters then arrived on the scene with a brush truck.

One of the firefighters and one of the horse owners put on protective bee suits to get to the wounded horses.

Soap was also added to the firetruck’s water tank, and the horses were sprayed with soapy water in an attempt to stop the bees.

Officials eventually got the horses away from the bees. The animals sustained hundreds of bee stings, however, many of which were around the horses’ eyes, nostrils and mouths.


A vet and vet tech came to the scene to treat the injured horses, and an exterminator found the bees’ hive in the front yard.

The owners said all three of the injured horses died from the venom and related organ failure.

Fire officials said the horses were like family to the owners.

“Please be mindful of your surroundings as this time of year bees are moving. Rains have caused many wildflowers to bloom. The bees are active and will become more active as the weather warms,” Comanche VFD said.


Authorities said they assumed the bees in the attack were Africanized bees because of their aggressive and relentless attacks on the people and horses. However, they said all bees will become aggressive when defending a perceived threat against their hive.

“We do not dispose of the bees unless there is an imminent life threat or serious threat to people, pets, or livestock. Bees will find holes in trees - dead or alive, holes or openings in buildings - vacant or not, brush piles, junk vehicles, and even holes in the ground,” Comanche VFD said.

They said the best practice if a hive is found is to avoid it.

Most of the time a hive is found after it has been accidentally disturbed, authorities said.


“However, the more aggressive Africanized bees will become aggressive when the perceived threat gets ‘too close’. There is no established marker or boundary for what is ‘too close’ as engine noise from a mower or other loud noises many feet away can disturb the bees,“ Comanche VFD said.

Authorities are asking the public to be vigilant and carefully check old buildings or old trees if any work will be conducted around them.