California Man Attacked by Swarm of Bees, Suffers Over 200 Stings and Loses 2 Horses

A California man recently had a terrifying encounter with a swarm of bees that resulted in a hospitalization and the tragic death of his two horses. On Friday, Aug. 9, Jurupa Valley resident Antonio Moreno found himself in the midst of a horrific attack by over 200 bees, as reported by ABC affiliate KABC-TV.

The attack unfolded when Moreno went to feed his horses with his son. Initially noticing a single bee stinging one of the horses, Moreno quickly untied the animal and instructed his son to move away. However, within moments, a swarm of hundreds of bees descended upon them, attacking both Moreno and the horses.

In a harrowing escape attempt, Moreno and his son fled to the street with the horses, but the bees relentlessly pursued them, inflicting numerous stings. Moreno described the intense physical pain he experienced, with his throat closing up, chest hurting, and heart feeling like it was going to explode.

Fortunately, a neighbor heard their cries for help and dialed 911. The CalRiverside Fire Department arrived at the scene equipped with protective gear and managed to foam two of the horses covered in bees. Tragically, Moreno’s 2-year-old and 5-month-old horses succumbed to the attack, as reported by NBC affiliate KNBC.

Despite the severity of the situation, both Moreno and his son were transported to a nearby hospital via ground ambulance. While Moreno was in serious condition, they were both eventually released. In a Facebook post, the CalRiverside Fire Department confirmed the details of the incident and the condition of the victims.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Moreno expressed gratitude for surviving the bee attack, acknowledging the potential deadly consequences. He emphasized the importance of being cautious around bees and urged others to be vigilant. Moreno also learned that he is allergic to bees during his hospital stay and will now need to carry an EpiPen for future encounters.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by bee swarms and the critical need for awareness and preparedness when dealing with these insects. It also highlights the unpredictable and devastating impact such encounters can have on both humans and animals.