LOVE the F.U.D.- I might just start the anti-fud political party in your honor. And yes Understudy, I have tought before and will again in the future for sure. Right now I am trying to learn how to keep bees, make wine and relax some more. This topic is truly cool.
I might point out that AHB might be the best manner in which to keep zoning laws from legislating against beekeeping.
Yes, feral is symantic. Personally, i wouldn't accept a feral "tag" until the animal we are discussing lives at least one seasonal cycle on its own. Shows an ability to survive. For bees, I would suggest at least one year. They have to survive the seasonal highs and lows-winter in aprticular. For a cat, perhaps its first unassisted kill and meal. No garbage picking, but a kill. Other animals would have a diff scale. If I caych a swarm that left someones hives last week they are not Feral IMO, AND they will not carry the "survivor" genes so coveted. For that, Perhaps two or more years of feral lifestyle would be needed. So on a genetic level, it would/might be two or more years.
I would suggest asking the florida legislature for a tax break as a beekeeper. Perhaps a tax credit. Why? you relase good drones in the fight against the big bad AHB. A regular john Wayne . Start a campaign for public assistance or the state will be over run w/ AHB. Haven't they seen the news?!?! People might die! Stop the killing-keep EHB! Dont fight it- join it! Dont let all your hard work go uncompensated!