A hiker is in critical condition Saturday after being swarmed by bees near the summit of Lookout Mountain in Phoenix, requiring an airlift rescue by crews from both the Phoenix and Glendale fire departments.
Rescue teams responded around 10 a.m. after receiving reports of multiple bee stings on the mountain. When they reached the man near the summit, he told responders he had been stung more than 100 times and was unable to continue descending on his own. A helicopter was used to bring him off the mountain, and he was then transported to a hospital by ambulance in critical condition.
The Phoenix Fire Department used the incident as an opportunity to remind hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of some basic bee safety practices. Hikers should never disturb or throw objects at a hive, wear lightly colored clothing since bees are attracted to dark colors resembling their natural predators, and avoid wearing perfumes or scented products outdoors, as bees are highly sensitive to smell. If a swarm is encountered, the best course of action is to run away quickly while covering your head.
No further details about the hiker’s identity or the circumstances leading to the encounter were immediately available.
