Do killer bees really kill you? — Nathan of Brush Prairie, WA

Dear Nathan,

Yes, these bees have attacked and killed humans and animals. In 1956, a researcher brought into Brazil some African honeybees, which produce large amounts of honey. Some of these bees escaped and mixed with the wild bees in that area. This produced the kind of bee now called "killer bees."

They get their name from their behavior, not from the effects of their sting. Like any bee, their sting is painful, and injects venom into the body. These are no worse than regular honeybees. The difference is that killer bees are very agressive. If threatened, they attack quickly and in big numbers. The quantity of stings could kill a person.

Although killer bees have this bad reputation, bee stings of any kind can be life-threatening. Some people are very sensitive to bee stings and must receive treatment very quickly. So, if you ever are stung by a bee (ouch!), tell an adult as quickly as possible.