Hiker in Critical Condition After Being Stung by Bees Over 100 Times

A routine hike turned into a terrifying survival situation when a man was attacked by a swarm of bees and stung more than 100 times on a popular Arizona mountain trail — leaving him in critical condition.

The incident happened Saturday morning around 10 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix, where the hiker had reached the summit before things suddenly took a dangerous turn.

According to officials, the man reported being stung over 100 times and was unable to make his way back down the mountain on his own.

That’s when emergency crews rushed into action.

Technical rescue teams from Phoenix and Glendale worked together to launch a dramatic air rescue, using a Firebird 10 helicopter to hoist the man off the mountain.

He was flown to the trailhead, where an ambulance was waiting, and then transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Experts say attacks like this can be far more dangerous than people realize.

Dr. Frank LoVecchio, a medical expert at Arizona State University, explained that large numbers of bee stings can cause serious damage to the body.

“It basically crushes your muscle,” he said, describing the effects of repeated venom exposure.

Arizona is known for highly aggressive Africanized bees — often called “killer bees” — which have been a growing concern since they spread through the state in the 1990s.

These bees can swarm quickly and attack in large numbers, especially if they feel their hive is threatened.

“It’s all about protecting the queen and the hive,” LoVecchio explained. “Once they sense danger, they send out signals and more bees come in to attack.”

Officials say even small disturbances can trigger a swarm, putting hikers, pets, and even entire events at risk.

In fact, just recently, a swarm disrupted a women’s lacrosse game in Tempe, leaving five people stung and one hospitalized.

Authorities are now warning hikers to take extra precautions, especially as warmer weather has increased bee activity across the state.

Their advice is simple: avoid disturbing hives, skip scented products, wear light-colored clothing, and if you encounter a swarm — run immediately and protect your face and head.