A town in south-central France faced an unusual siege on Sunday, July 6 when a swarm of bees injured 24 people, leaving three in critical condition, local authorities told the Associated Press.

Africanized honey bees, often called "killer bees," are now found in 13 states, including Mississippi. This invasive species is spreading into new areas, leaving a trail of death and heartbreak.

Bees play a vital role in pollination and ecosystems, but not all are the gentle garden visitors we imagine. Some bees—and wasp-like relatives—pack a powerful sting, show extreme aggression, or defend ...