real., but last year ours tried killing me a few times.... first time i am chilling here on the computer the tree is like 2 feet behind me and i keep smelling smoke, i finally turn arorund and see that one of the lightbulds is laying on the carpet and is burning a hole in it... its smoking really bad and about to like burst into flames but luckily i extinguished it quickly/ then the very next day i am at the comp again and this huge wasp goes flying past my head and then comes back like straight at my face. i ran into the kitchen and grabbed a spatula and then came back and it was like flying at me and trying to sting me while i was swinging at it. i finally go it but it was a close call.