Which bee is responsible for the highest number of deaths in the U.S.?

The Africanized Honey Bee is responsible for the highest number of deaths in the U.S. due to its aggressive nature and tendency to swarm. These bees are hybrid descendants of the European honey bee and were introduced in Brazil in the 1950s. They have spread throughout the Americas and are known for their defensive behavior, which can pose a significant risk to humans, particularly when their nests are disturbed.

While honey bees can sting, their behavior is generally less aggressive compared to Africanized honey bees. The latter can pursue individuals for much longer distances when provoked, leading to a higher likelihood of encounters that result in fatalities, particularly in instances where the victim may suffer from allergic reactions or other health issues.

Carpenter bees and bumble bees are typically less aggressive and do not present the same level of danger to humans as the Africanized variant, which is why they do not account for as many fatal incidents. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of these different types of bees is crucial for awareness and safety.