A man in his 30s was airlifted from Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix after being stung more than 100 times by bees while hiking on Saturday. The victim, who remains unidentified, is now in critical condition with dangerously low blood pressure due to the venomous stings.
Key Takeaways
A man in his 30s was airlifted to safety after being stung over 100 times by bees while hiking Lookout Mountain. The hiker is now in critical condition due to dangerously low blood pressure caused by the venomous stings. Authorities warn of aggressive Africanized bees in Arizona and advise hikers on how to avoid bee attacks.
- Hiker airlifted after being stung over 100 times on Lookout Mountain
- Victim is in critical condition with dangerously low blood pressure
- Aggressive Africanized bees are prevalent in the area, leading to frequent attacks
- Authorities advise hikers to avoid disturbing hives and wear light-colored clothing
Rescue teams from Phoenix and Glendale responded to reports of a hiker being attacked by a swarm of bees near the summit of Lookout Mountain. According to The Guardian, the man reported "over 100 stings" and was unable to continue his descent, prompting emergency crews to coordinate a hoist operation using a Firebird 10 helicopter.
Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency physician and professor at Arizona State University, explained that the venom from repeated bee stings effectively "crushes your muscle," leading to severe health complications. Shaun Cutrona, owner of Busy Bee Pest Solutions, noted that bees in Arizona seem angrier this year due to their Africanized lineage.
The Phoenix Fire Department issued a warning to hikers following the incident, advising them to avoid disturbing hives, skip scented products outdoors, wear light-colored clothing, and run away quickly while protecting their head and face if they encounter a swarm. The department also reminded residents that Arizona has grappled with aggressive Africanized bees since the 1990s.
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