In recent years, the massive killer wasp known as the “murder hornet” has become a dreadful and concerning threat to the United States. This invasive and highly destructive insect, thought to be the largest and most dangerous of its kind globally, first appeared in the country in 2019 and has since proceeded to wreak havoc and inspire fear.

The latest sighting of this terrifying beast occurred in Washington in 2021. The community was astonished to learn that this “murder hornet” was attacking anything that got in its way, demonstrating its violent tendencies. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), this remarkable 4.4 centimeter-long insect was discovered on August 11 in the vicinity of Blaine, Washington, barely 3.2 kilometers from where it was first identified in December 2019.

As their frightening name implies, these hornets are very good at taking down big bee hives. With their formidable enormous mandibles, they may kill and decapitate thousands of bees, taking over the hive and holding it for themselves. As they violently dismember the brood to feed their young, they leave carnage in their wake.