sounds like the english hornet probably or could be a cicada killer (wasp)
They can sting but like most stinging insects, if you don't bother them
they don't bother you.
 
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> From: MIDNITEBEE <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Fw: bee identification
> Date: 28 fivrier, 1997 23:56
>
> http://www.cybertours.com/~midnitebee/
> Greetings:I received this message and I am hoping someone can help me
I.D.
> this "bee"
> Thanks-Midnitebee(Herb)
> Was it the midnitebee?:))
>
> > Subject: bee identification
> > Date: Friday, February 28, 1997 8:17 PM
> >
> > Hi! Maybe you can help? We live in Penna. Last year we had some large
> bees
> > visit us. They were probably at least an 1" long. The size was amazing
to
> us
> > as well as the fact that we would see them mostly at night on our back
> porch
> > buzzing the lights like a moth. Although they were very scary they
never
> > attacked us and eventually we stopped seeing them. They did not have
fuzz
> on
> > their bodies. They were actually a pretty color. Kind of a rich rust
> color. I
> > saw one on vacation once on the skyline drive in WV. Do you have any
> ideas?
> > I'd like to think they're not as dangerous as they look. If you could
> educate
> > us we would appreciate it. If not, Thanks anyway!