"Murder hornets" are now invading North America, according to The New York Times.
The invasive, dangerous species, also known as the Asian giant hornet, could kill off the continent's entire bee population if no one intervenes. In addition to destroying hives, Asian giant hornets have stings that are said to be incredibly painful.
State biologists and beekeepers are working together to place traps and spray carbon dioxide in areas where the giant hornets have been spotted, which for now is limited to Washington state, Vancouver Island and Canada.
In Japan, where Asian giant hornet colonies are already well established, the predatory insects kill up to 50 people a year.