Giant ball of bees moved as precaution

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SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- A giant ball of bees found in a tree in Santa Ana, Calif., has been moved to a safe location by a beekeeper as a precaution, an official says.

Santa Ana Fire Capt. Chris Caswell said while the bees were acting passively when discovered Tuesday, the decision was made to remove the potentially dangerous insects to a safe area, The Orange County (Calif.) Register reported.

The newspaper described the insects as making up a "massive ball."

"We don't want anyone to get stung," Caswell said. "We just want to make sure no citizens walk in the path."

Firefighters were initially called to the scene after the bees were found gathering around a queen bee in the tree. Several of the insects were also found on a nearby sidewalk.

No information was given regarding the amount of bees found at the Santa Ana location.

Caswell told the Register while the bees' new location is considered safe, there is the potential the stinging insects could relocate if it rains or the queen decides to change locations.