I can't say if they actually recognise faces, but I can tell you they will target one individual.
I have one hive that in May got to be so much of a bother I decided to re-queen only to change my mind. I have video of myself with nothing on but a hat, pair of shorts, and a smile opening the hive without smoke and lifting a super frame festooning bees and telling whomever that there's nothing to worry about.
A week later I got into the brood chamber. From that point the whole demeanor of the colony changed. I couldn't walk across the barnyard without being attacked. I was followed through the trees for 400 ft. (120 m), and couldn't go close to the beeyard weeks after. I finally decided to move them when I was ganged up on by two of them 50 ft from the colony, under cover of the barn!
My mother's ancient dog, the cats, and chickens all wander around under those hives and I was the only one who was ever attacked. I'm also the only Human who gets close to them, contrary to what everyone may have told you. I had tests done. I'm actually human.
Thing is, they mellowed out in their new location. I was thinking about moving them back where the other hives are. Earlier in November I opened the hive and put some pollen sub in just to get rid of it, they came out and found chinks in my armor. I even had one in my jacket pocket. They're good working bees, get out in the colder weather, but neurotic as...