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Incident Record

Bryan family loses entire flock of nine chickens after aggressive bee attack

A Bryan, Texas family reported that bees attacked and killed all nine chickens in their backyard flock within minutes. Jennifer Stavinoha told KBTX/CNN Newsource that she rushed outside after her husband texted that bees were killing the chickens and found most already dead, surrounded by bees. A local bee expert told KBTX the chickens may have been caught in territorial behavior between colonies. Bee ID should remain preliminary unless tested or confirmed by an authority.

Record ID: TX-BRAZOS-2025-0613
This record is part of a first-pass incident research dataset. Records, categories, and source notes may be updated as additional information is reviewed and verified.
Date 6/13/2025
Location Bryan, Brazos County, TX
State TX
Record Type Public Source / Animal Fatality / Preliminary Public Source
Trigger / Activity Animal / Pet / Livestock Encounter
Severity Animal Fatality
Bee ID Status Suspected Africanized
Aggression Classification High Defensive Response / Animal Attack

Incident Summary

A Bryan, Texas family reported that bees attacked and killed all nine chickens in their backyard flock within minutes. Jennifer Stavinoha told KBTX/CNN Newsource that she rushed outside after her husband texted that bees were killing the chickens and found most already dead, surrounded by bees. A local bee expert told KBTX the chickens may have been caught in territorial behavior between colonies. Bee ID should remain preliminary unless tested or confirmed by an authority.

Public-Safety Lesson

Poultry and small livestock may be unable to escape mass-stinging events. Chicken coops, animal pens, feed/water areas, and nearby cavities should be watched for bee activity, especially where children or caretakers may rush in to help animals.

Impact Flags

Human Fatality No
Human Hospitalized No
Animal Fatality Yes
Responder Involved No

Source Information

Source: WOAI / KMBC / KBTX via CNN Newsource

Source Strength: B/C