Bee attack leaves hiker hospitalized
A hiker was hospitalized Friday night after being stung by bees at least 300 times.
The Las Vegas Fire Department said the 69-year-old man was hiking about 5 p.m. on a trail near the top of Lone Mountain, in the northwest valley, when bees began to sting him.
He was unable to call for help, and firefighters weren't notified until 7:23 p.m. It was unclear how rescuers were notified. Spokesman Tim Szymanski said other hikers were with the man when paramedics arrived.
Because the hiker was in a remote area, a Las Vegas police search and rescue team had to use a helicopter to pluck him off the mountain. He was treated by paramedics at the base of the mountain before being taken to a hospital about 8:30 p.m.
Officials warn that encounters with bees are not uncommon for hikers and have happened in the past on Lone Mountain, where bees can hide from predators and build their hives.
