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New York Post
01-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Invasive swarm of killer bees put millions in Southeast on alert after officials take precautionary action
Officials in Alabama say they euthanized a feral swarm of Africanized honeybees, also known as 'killer bees,' and precautions are now being made in an attempt to protect communities in the area and the local honeybee population. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADIA) said on Monday that the swarm was found in Barbour County by local beekeepers, close to the Alabama-Georgia state line in the Southeast. Advertisement The ADIA said that as a precaution, targeted monitoring efforts are now underway to assess and contain the presence of Africanized honeybees. Those precautions include deploying traps within a 5-mile radius of where the killer bees were found to attempt any additional activity. Those efforts, the ADIA said, are part of the ongoing commitment to safeguard pollinators and to support local beekeepers. 'There is no reason for public concern at this time, but we are treating this situation seriously,' Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said in a news release. Advertisement 'Our team is actively collaborating with local beekeepers and entomology experts to ensure swift detection and appropriate response.' Alabama officials from the Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADIA) have euthanized a feral swarm of Africanized honeybees. WALA FOX 10 News Pate went on to say that protecting the health of local communities and Alabama's honeybee population remains a top priority. Local beekeepers are also being contacted and being provided with guidance on how to recognize and manage the Africanized honeybees. Advertisement According to the ADIA, Africanized honeybees are a hybrid of African and European honeybees. However, while they share many physical characteristics, the Africanized honeybees exhibit a more defensive behavior, especially when they are protecting their colonies. The insects, also known as 'killer bees,' were found in Barbour County by local beekeepers as the ADIA said they took this measure to contain the presence of the bees in the area. Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries / FOX Weather In fact, officials said the killer bees may swarm more frequently and nest in a wider variety of locations, including inside utility boxes, debris piles and underground. Advertisement The ADIA said that honeybees, whether Africanized or European, do not pose a threat unless they are provoked. However, if they do go on the defense, Africanized honeybees may pursue their threat farther than European honeybees, up to a mile in some cases. Officials are urging residents in the area to stay safe and not to disturb or try to remove any bee colonies or swarms, and to report any unusually aggressive bee behavior to the ADIA immediately. Beekeepers are also being asked to remain vigilant and to report any changes to their colonies or if they suspect Africanized honeybees are in the area.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The showdown for Alabama's top Senate seat
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The race for Lieutenant Governor is heating up, and candidates are sharing their goals if they win in 2026. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen was one of the first to announce his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. Allen said his work on elections, and previously in the legislature, makes him well equipped for the top Senate seat. 'We're extremely proud of our record,' Allen said. 'We have to cut red tape. We have to cut fees and been a business-friendly office. And we expect to take that to the Lieutenant Governor's role as well.' Also vying for that role is Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. Pate said there's still more he wants to do for the people of Alabama. 'I have such good relationships with so many of the Senators. There's different friends, Republicans and Democrats,' Pate said. 'In fact, I talked with Bobby Singleton yesterday about running for Lieutenant Governor. And I think that they're excited.' Running alongside Pate and Allen is Huntsville native Dr. Nicole Wadsworth. With years of experience in commercial real estate, she said she wants to bring more businesses to Alabama. 'Just to help create an environment where people want to live,' said Dr. Wadsworth. 'The worst thing I hear from companies is people losing talent to other states. We need to learn how to put Alabama first and keep it at home.' Alabama AG Steve Marshall to run for U.S. Senate Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said he also wants to put Alabama first. He's still deciding on whether or not to run. 'If I pull the trigger on this and I run for Lieutenant Governor, I want to be an ambassador for the state of Alabama. I want to be a statesman that fights for our people and raises our profile on the national level,' he said. Dean Odle, a pastor from Opelika, has also announced his run for Lieutenant Governor among others. The primary election is on May 19, while the general election is scheduled for November 3 of next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner running for Lt. Governor
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabamians will be seeing a few familiar names under Lieutenant Governor on the ballot in 2026. Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate confirmed he would be running for Lieutenant Governor at an event in Montgomery on Tuesday. ⭐ News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters! Click here for more election coverage ⭐ Pate said he wants to reduce government regulations and cut taxes. He also said that he wants to work with the legislature to do meaningful work for the state of Alabama. 'I'm such good friends with so many of the senators,' Pate said. 'I've talked to Garlan this morning, Steve Livingston, different ones. I just think I could do some good there, working with them for the next few years.' Current Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced on May 21 that he will not be running for Governor or Lt. Governor in 2026 and will be taking time away to focus on his family and will be transitioning into the private sector. 'Serving as Alabama's Lieutenant Governor has been the honor of my lifetime, and in the year-and-a-half remaining in my term, I will continue working night and day to meet the needs, improve the lives, and protect the conservative values of the Alabama citizens I took an oath to serve,' Ainsworth said in his announcement. Other candidates who have also announced their intention to run for Lieutenant Governor include Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen and Huntsville native Nicole Wadsworth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
