Last Friday, tragedy struck at a ranch in Jurupa Valley when two horses were killed and a man and his young son were hospitalized after being attacked by bees. Antonio Moreno and his 12-year-old son were feeding their four horses when a swarm of bees suddenly descended upon them, stinging them more than 200 times. The peaceful afternoon turned into a nightmare as the father and son found themselves covered in bees, with their horses also being attacked.
In a panic, Moreno and his son tried to fight off the bees, but the pain was so severe that Moreno eventually passed out. A neighbor heard their cries for help and quickly pulled them inside their home before dialing 911. By the time Riverside County firefighters arrived, the situation was dire. They responded with protective gear and foamed two of the horses that were covered by bees. Tragically, Moreno’s 2-year-old and 5-month-old horses did not survive the attack.
The cause of the bee attack remains unclear, leaving Moreno and his family shaken and devastated by the loss of their beloved horses. The sudden and vicious nature of the attack serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that bees can pose, especially when provoked or threatened.
In light of this incident, it is important to remember how to safely handle encounters with bees. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises staying calm if approached by bees, as swatting at them may provoke them to sting. If you find yourself being attacked by multiple bees, it is best to run away and seek shelter indoors. Bees release a chemical when they sting, which can attract more bees to the area, escalating the situation further.
The tragic events at the ranch in Jurupa Valley serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that bees can pose. It is crucial to remain vigilant and informed about how to safely interact with these important pollinators to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Our thoughts are with Antonio Moreno, his son, and the horses that lost their lives in this devastating bee attack.
