A morning hike in north Phoenix quickly turned dangerous when a man was overwhelmed by a swarm of bees, prompting a dramatic air rescue, NBC News reports. The incident occurred near the top of Lookout Mountain Preserve, where the hiker suffered more than 100 stings and was unable to descend on his own, according to the Phoenix Fire Department. Other hikers in the area also encountered the aggressive bees, KING 5 reports.
Emergency crews from Phoenix and Glendale responded with a hoist operation, lifting the injured man from the mountain and bringing him to an ambulance at the base of the trail. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition, though rescuers noted he was conscious and speaking at the scene, but with dangerously low blood pressure.
Authorities reminded outdoor enthusiasts to stay away from beehives, avoid wearing strong fragrances, and choose light-colored clothing when hiking. In the event of a swarm, their guidance is to run while protecting the head and face. Africanized bees, which arrived in Arizona in the 1990s, are known for their heightened aggression, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.