A Phoenix hiker found himself fighting for his life after an Easter weekend encounter with an aggressive swarm left him paralyzed on a mountainside. Emergency responders airlifted the man from Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix on Saturday morning after he absorbed more than 100 bee stings.
The attack occurred around 10am as the hiker attempted to descend the summit. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of stings, he became unable to continue on his own, according to the local fire department. The severity of his injuries required immediate evacuation by helicopter.
Responders transported him to a hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. The exact type of bee species involved in the attack was not specified, though aggressive swarms are known to pursue threats with intensity when they perceive a threat to their hive.
The incident underscores the hazards that outdoor enthusiasts face on Arizona trails, particularly during warmer months when bee activity peaks. Lookout Mountain Preserve, located in the northern part of Phoenix, remains open to the public, though hikers are advised to remain alert to their surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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