Mass hornet attacks leave over 20 individuals injured - Over twenty individuals reportedly encountered and sustained attacks by hornets.
In the picturesque Trifels hiking area in Rhineland-Palatinate and near Schloss Bothmer and the Gutshaus Stellshagen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a series of aggressive attacks by Asian hornets have left more than a few hikers with painful stings over the weekend.
The Asian hornets, generally considered docile by nature, displayed unusually aggressive behaviour in both incidents, with several nests discovered in the affected forest sections. In Rhineland-Palatinate, the forest area where the nests were found was promptly closed off, and a pest controller was hired to remove the hornets' nest over the weekend. Similarly, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the nest of European hornets was removed from a country path between Schloss Bothmer and the Gutshaus Stellshagen.
Last weekend, more than 20 hikers were stung by Asian hornets in the Trifels hiking area, while in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, at least 3 people were affected. Some of the stung individuals had to be taken to the hospital due to allergic reactions, but fortunately, the outcome for the victims was largely fortunate.
The fire department and mountain rescue were deployed to rescue a victim from a steep forest section in Rhineland-Palatinate. No further information is provided about the victims' conditions or identities.
It is important to note that both Asian and European hornets are generally considered docile, but can be aggressive when defending their nests. The Asian hornets that attacked the hikers were reportedly extremely aggressive, which may have contributed to the high number of stings. However, neither of these incidents involved European hornets.
As a precaution, hikers are advised to avoid areas where hornet nests may be present and to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and trousers, when hiking in forested areas. If you encounter a hornet's nest, it is best to maintain a safe distance and notify authorities immediately.
Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
