The Heroic Fire Department of La Paz is reminding residents how to respond safely to bee swarms, following a deadly attack in Zacatecas that killed a magistrate and injured dozens on May 3.
Commander Juan Ruíz said the most common and dangerous mistake people make during a bee encounter is running. Waving arms and fleeing only causes a swarm to continue its chase. Instead, the commander advised residents to slow their movement, come to a complete stop, stay low, and cover their face until the bees lose interest.
What Triggered the Safety Campaign
The warning comes after a swarm attacked people at a sports complex in Guadalupe, Zacatecas, on May 3. Magistrate Oyuki Ramírez died in the attack, and multiple others were hospitalized. The incident drew national attention and prompted fire departments across Mexico, including in La Paz, to re-educate the public on proper bee safety protocols.
Commander Ruíz explained that his crews prioritize relocating hives rather than exterminating them. Environmental protections on pollinating species in Mexico heavily restrict killing bees. Trained beekeepers and specialized personnel handle hive removal in La Paz.
What to Do If You Spot a Hive
Residents who notice a bee colony near their home or in a public space should call 911 immediately. The emergency dispatcher will forward the report to trained relocation crews. Ruíz stressed that people should never attempt to remove a hive on their own. Even minor vibrations near a colony can trigger an immediate defensive response from the entire hive.
Bee swarm calls account for a small but steady share of local emergency operations. They spike seasonally during migration periods when colonies move through populated neighborhoods and outdoor recreation areas.
Allergy Risks and Emergency Response
Anyone with a known bee venom allergy should carry emergency medication at all times. Anaphylactic shock can develop within minutes of a single sting. Bee encounters are treated as high priority by La Paz emergency services specifically because of the risk of allergic reactions.
Until professional help arrives, the fire department’s advice is straightforward: remain calm, minimize body movement, cover exposed skin, and let the swarm pass. The key number to remember is 911.
This story was first reported by the Gringo Gazette.