BY KAYLA GATES
Cooper City High School’s campus has remained relatively tame when it comes to wildlife. The limited vegetation is often accompanied by birds and ducks. However, bees have recently become a major part of this community.
This increased presence can be observed all around campus. These swarms are located in front of the cafeteria, in the courtyard, under the red awning and on the basketball courts.
Large groups of bees are usually centered around the garbage cans present in these areas. Many have concluded that the insects may be attracted to the thrown out food, as they are particularly prevalent in the early afternoon during lunchtime.
During lunch, students have the option of eating outside in designated areas. These include the picnic tables in the courtyard and under the red awning. However, this new threat has prompted many to relocate indoors, leaving the cafeteria more crowded than usual.
“I used to sit at the red awning for lunch every day,” sophomore Malak Sadoumy said. “Now, I sit in the cafeteria because I’m scared of getting stung by bees.”
“I’ve been trying really hard not to get stung.”
Thus far, the new addition to campus wildlife has proven relatively harmless. Few incidents have been reported of students being stung by bees, even with their growing presence. Still, many remain concerned.
The increased presence of bees poses a threat to the safety of students. Those with an allergy to bee stings are particularly vulnerable. The risk of experiencing an allergic reaction has motivated many to avoid these areas.
“I’m really concerned because I have a minor bee allergy,” freshman Alexa Freedman said. “I’ve been trying really hard not to get stung.”
As for a solution, little can be done to combat the issue directly, as the bees are simply a new addition to campus wildlife. However, students can still take precautions to avoid being stung.
Students should avoid disturbing the bees whenever possible. Unnecessary interactions could agitate the insects, motivating them to defend themselves. When walking through infested areas, one should remain calm, so that the bees will not feel threatened.
Those who remain concerned have been advised to avoid these areas altogether. Taking an alternate route or sitting indoors will prevent those who are seriously threatened from taking any risks.
Photo courtesy of by David Hablützel from Pexels
