A hiker is fighting for his life after being attacked by a swarm of bees on a mountain in Arizona, suffering more than 100 stings before managing to call for help.

Emergency services in Phoenix say the man became stranded on Lookout Mountain when the attack left him unable to continue his descent. Rescue crews scrambled a helicopter to airlift him from the mountainside before rushing him to hospital.

Helicopter Rescue After Desperate Call for Help

The injured hiker contacted emergency dispatchers after realising he could no longer make it down the trail. The swarm had left him seriously injured and stranded in rugged terrain.

Fire crews from the Phoenix Fire Department launched an aerial rescue, winching the man into a helicopter before transferring him to an ambulance waiting below. Officials say he remains in critical condition and is “fighting for his life”.

Why Mass Bee Stings Can Turn Deadly

Medical experts warn that large numbers of stings can trigger severe reactions even in people with no known allergy.

According to Frank Lovecchio, repeated bee stings flood the body with venom that can destroy muscle tissue. “It effectively crushes your muscle,” he told FOX 10 Phoenix, describing how the toxins overwhelm the body when delivered in high doses.

He added that bees common in the region are highly aggressive and capable of coordinated attacks when a hive feels threatened.

Aggressive Swarms and a Rising Threat

Arizona has seen a spike in bee incidents following an unusually warm winter, which has driven higher activity across the state.

Last week, a swarm disrupted a women’s lacrosse game at a university campus in Tempe, leaving five people stung and one hospitalised.

Officials warn that attacks can escalate quickly once a hive is disturbed, as bees release chemical signals that draw others into the assault.

Authorities Issue Urgent Warning to Hikers

Fire officials are urging hikers to take precautions when heading into desert trails and mountain paths.

The Phoenix Fire Department advises wearing light-coloured clothing, avoiding scented products and steering well clear of hives. Anyone encountering a swarm should run immediately while shielding their head and face — especially their mouth and airway.

For one Arizona hiker, the warning came too late. Rescuers say the fight to save his life is now in the hands of hospital doctors.

Hiker fighting for his life after bee attack

I can relate, having had 65 stings when I was eight.

Been allergic to bee-stings ever since.