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May 20, 2008 - Phoenix Hiker Ambushed by Bees Falls Into Gulch

A hiker was attacked by a swarm of bees after wandering off a Phoenix mountain trail on Monday, before plummeting 200 feet into a gulch, firefighters said.

The 30-something man, who was hiking South Mountain alone, was ambushed by hundreds of bees when he strayed from the main trail at about 5:30 p.m.

"He was waving his shirt and then he was actually just full of bees," said fellow hiker Ken MacKenzie, who witnessed the episode.

When the hiker attempted to elude the angry swarm, he plunged into a ravine.

"He probably fell about 200 feet off of that trail and down into a ravine. He was all broken bones and cut up and tangled up in cholla cactus," said Capt. Lewis Jones of the Phoenix Fire Technical Team.

Police Officer Craig Churella was the first responder on the scene. He made an effort to rescue the hiker but was compelled to retreat.

"He was absolutely covered in bees. It was quite the sight. I couldn't get any closer -- they started attacking me," Officer Churella said.

Capt. Jones's technical squad was clad in special protective suits while executing the prolonged rescue. "It was difficult just because, mainly because of the terrain. And then to compound the problem is we had to put on these hot bee suits," Jones said.

Phoenix experienced record-breaking temperatures on Monday, climbing to a blistering 110 degrees.

Rescuers gave the hiker an IV before fastening him to a helicopter and hoisting him from the gully. He was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in good condition.

MacKenzie said he's spotted mountain lions, wolves, and coyotes in the desert, but "nothing like a swarm of bees around, in particular, one person."

Capt. Victor Rangel of the Phoenix Fire Department said the most important thing to remember to take with you on a hike is your cell phone.

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