9,000 bees in a swarm is not that many. Swarms of European bees are often
much larger. Why such a swarm should cause havoc in Bangor, Maine is a
mystery. I expect such swarms in small, agriculturally based cities,
are almost an annual happening. Mostly, bees in swarms are rather docile
and less likely to sting than those in hives. The old tale that swarming
bees do not sting is rubbish...they do sometimes even when handled with
the greatest of care and respect. Nevertheless, they are less prone to
sting from swarms than from hives.
 
Yes, it sounds like media hype.
 
Peter