Arizona Boy’s Incredible Survival After 400 Bee Stings

An 11-year-old boy in Arizona is recovering after surviving a harrowing attack by Africanized bees that left him stung nearly 400 times. The incident, which occurred on Monday near Safford, Arizona, also sent at least three emergency responders to the hospital, according to reports.

The Attack

Andrew Kunz was playing with his BB gun when he accidentally shot into a hive of Africanized bees. He attempted to run, but was quickly overwhelmed by the swarm. “It felt like 400 bullets were shooting me,” Andrew said, describing the experience. His grandmother, Petrea Kunz, recounted how a rescuer grabbed Andrew, pulling him to safety while also being stung repeatedly in the process. “He realized he couldn’t get him up the hill so he just grabbed his belt loop and his arm and said Andrew we’ve got to get out of here,” Kunz said.

Africanized Bees: A Growing Concern in Arizona

Africanized bees, often referred to as “killer bees,” are a hybrid of the European honey bee and the African honey bee. They are known for their aggressive behavior and tendency to swarm, making them a significant concern in states like Arizona. The bees first reached Arizona in June of 1993 [2]. While attacks are not uncommon, the sheer number of stings Andrew endured is remarkable.

A Miraculous Recovery

Despite being allergic to bees and receiving nearly 400 stings, Andrew is expected to craft a full recovery. He is currently receiving treatment at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “I want to thank the whole fire department,” Andrew said. “And the police.” He maintains a positive attitude, joking that “This isn’t my real face,” referring to his swollen condition. [1]

Focus and Resilience

Remarkably, Andrew reportedly channeled his favorite Dragon Ball Z character, Vegeta, to cope with the pain and trauma during the attack. [3] This demonstrates an incredible level of resilience for the young boy.

Killer Bee Attacks in Arizona

Bee attacks, while tragic, are not infrequent in Arizona. A 32-year-old landscaper in Douglas was killed in a similar attack in 2014 [2]. Most Arizonans would prefer lightning to death by stinging insects [2].

What to Do If You Encounter Africanized Bees

According to azcentral.com, most bees in Arizona are Africanized. If you encounter a swarm, it’s crucial to remain calm and slowly move away. Do not swat at the bees, as this can agitate them further. Seek shelter indoors if possible. If stung multiple times, seek immediate medical attention.

Andrew Kunz is expected to be back in school as early as Monday, a testament to his strength and the quick actions of first responders.