Police: Florida men try to steal honey, get attacked by 30,000 bees

By Samantha Jordan, WDBO – Orlando, Fla.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Three men are recovering in New Port Richey, Florida, after reportedly being attacked by as many as 30,000 honeybees on Easter Sunday. All three were taken to the hospital for treatment.

According to WTSP, Pasco County Fire Rescue responded when neighbors called 911 to report the attack.

"They were covered in bees – their beards, their hair, their clothes. Bees were everywhere," said neighbor Tom Johnson.

Firefighters used a hose to douse the bees and assisted the victims. Each man received about 50 stings, deputies said. Deputies said the men were attempting to steal honey from the massive hive, which agitated the domesticated honeybees.

A woman also was stung dozens of times when she walked out of her home during the attack, deputies said. She was not seriously injured.

Officials have ordered the bees be left alone for 24 hours. A beekeeper will be back Monday to see if the bees have calmed down, and the hive will be moved to a safer location.

Cox Media Group