> Since arriving in Florida five years ago, they have spread through most of the peninsula, and experts expect them to soon be found throughout the state. Since it would be impossible to eradicate them, agricultural scientists and emergency response officials are trying to find a way to learn to live with them.

> "Africanized bees dominate any environment," said Gerald Hayes, an assistant bureau chief responsible for bees in the Florida Department of Agriculture. "In South Florida we're seeing this transition. They're spreading. They're spreading to suburban areas. Barbecue grills. Mailboxes. You're going to see more interactions with the public, pets, livestock. They love water meter boxes. They might be able to get into your attic. We're finding them under overturned flower pots."

> The Africanized variety looks identical to the European honey bees common in Florida, but wingspan and body-segment measurements confirmed the worst. "It's concerning because this shouldn't be happening at this time of the year," said Hayes. He said the bees reproduce more slowly in the winter and it's rare to see an attack, though warmer-than-usual weather may play a part. Prior to the Dec. 26 incident, the Department of Agriculture had found 17 cases of Africanized bees in Broward County over two years, including one in which a dog was stung, Hayes said. "We've had traps along the port areas for about a decade trying to intercept these bees," said Hayes. "Obviously we didn't get them all. . . . I have no doubt our situation will be similar to South America. All our gentle bees will be gone, and we'll have all these grumpy bees to deal with."

****************************************************
* General Information About BEE-L is available at: *
* http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/default.htm   *
****************************************************