Killer Bees and the Housing Crisis

The national foreclosure crisis has slashed home values, put families on the street, and now, it seems, played a key role in a fatal bee attack on a helpless Chihuahua.

The 3-year old Chihuahua, named Stubby—which was born with only three legs—was killed Tuesday by an angry swarm of bees that had nested in a vacant property located near the dog owner's home, according to the Tucson Citizen.

The property has been empty for the past year or so, and two large beehives had since appeared inside, the newspaper reported.

The bees were apparently incited by a Tucson Country Crossing Homeowners Association official, who sprayed the nests with insecticides.

From the Tucson Citizen:

"I saw my dog being attacked through the sliding glass window," said [dog owner Brandi Comeau, 27]. "I tried to do what I could, threw water on him, without getting stung myself."

Her husband grabbed Stubby and ran down the street, trying to dislodge the bees. By the time the couple got Stubby to the vet, the dog was stung more than 250 times.

The owners will discuss the possibility of asking the homeowners' association to pick up a portion of the $800 veterinarian bill.

"I want people to be wary of empty houses for their own safety," Comeau told the Citizen. "I don't want this to happen to anybody else."