A hiker was stung more than 100 times by bees and airlifted from Lookout Mountain in north Phoenix on April 4, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
A hiker was stung more than 100 times by bees and airlifted from Lookout Mountain in north Phoenix on April 4, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
Capt. Todd Keller, a department spokesperson, said the man was near the summit when he was attacked by bees and was unable to continue hiking down the mountain.
Technical rescue teams from Phoenix and Glendale responded at about 10 a.m. after receiving reports of a hiker stung multiple times.
Crews used a helicopter, Phoenix Firebird 10, to hoist the man off the mountain and transfer him to an awaiting ambulance at the trailhead, Keller said.
He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Keller said.
The department had posted earlier on social media that firefighters were making their way up the mountain and later confirmed contact with the hiker before the hoist operation.
Lookout Mountain is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve just south of 16th Street and Greenway Parkway.
Crews from the Phoenix Fire Department and the Glendale Fire Department assisted in the rescue.
Rise in bee activity
The rescue comes amid recent bee-related incidents in the Valley, including a swarm that disrupted an Arizona State University women’s lacrosse game in Tempe on March 29, stinging five people and sending one person to the hospital in stable condition.
Tempe officials warned residents about increased bee activity and urged people not to disturb hives.
Keller urged hikers and residents not to disturb beehives or throw objects at them. He said people should wear lightly colored clothing when outdoors because bees are attracted to darker colors that resemble natural predators.
He also advised avoiding perfumes or scented products, which can draw bees.
If someone encounters a bee colony, Keller said they should run away and cover their head.
Experts note there is a difference between a swarm and an established hive.
Bee swarms are a natural process in which a large group of bees leaves an existing hive to start a new colony, according to Iowa State University. Swarming bees typically fill up on honey before leaving, which reduces their likelihood of stinging, and they often cluster temporarily while scout bees search for a new nest site.
Residents should not attempt to remove hives themselves and should instead contact a licensed bee removal professional, officials said. Anyone who is stung repeatedly or has trouble breathing should call 911.
If bees begin circling or bumping into someone, that can signal agitation. Experts advise moving slowly away from the area, avoiding sudden movements or swatting and seeking shelter indoors or in a vehicle if necessary.
Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.
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