Thank you for your question and for including detailed photos!

The insect in your photos appears to be a yellowjacket wasp (Vespula spp.), rather than a bee.

The behavior you described also fits yellowjackets. According to University of Minnesota Extension, some yellowjacket species become aggressive scavengers in late summer and fall and are commonly attracted to human food and drinks. They are social wasps that live in colonies, so if a nest is nearby, many individuals may be present and they can sting when defending the colony.

University of Minnesota Extension has an excellent resource with additional identification information, photos, and guidance on yellowjackets and other wasps and bees:

https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees

Look under the “Yellowjackets” section for more information specific to these wasps.

Hope this helps!

-Victoria

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer