Suspected northern giant hornet spotted near Port Orchard

A potential northern giant hornet sighting is being investigated in Washington.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) says that a sighting of the insect was reported south of Port Orchard in Kitsap County. Officials have received photos but need to examine the specimen in order to confirm it is a northern giant hornet.

The hornets, previously known as murder hornets or Asian giant hornets, were last seen in Whatcom County in 2021. No sightings have been reported anywhere in the state or in Canada within the past two years.

Anyone in the area is asked to report suspected sightings to the WSDA.