North Carolina reports first established yellow-legged hornet, posing bee threat.

Officials in North Carolina have confirmed the establishment of the invasive yellow-legged hornet in the state, raising concerns for honeybees and their keepers. The discovery began when a homeowner in Union County reported unusual hornet activity at her hummingbird feeder, prompting a survey that found more adult hornets near the Union-Mecklenburg county line. According to Smoky Mountain News, this marks the first confirmed presence of the species in North Carolina. Ongoing efforts involving the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are focused on surveying and trapping these hornets.