Overview
- Phoenix Fire crews, called to the Cholla Trailhead Tuesday morning, evaluated eight hikers after a swarm attack and took one person to a hospital.
- Park officials closed the Cholla and Echo Canyon trails during the response, then reopened them after a specialist review and posted new bee warnings.
- Rescuers first helped two people on Cholla who declined further treatment, then searched Echo Canyon and higher elevations for others who were stung.
- Fire officials urged hikers to protect the head, avoid running, leave the area fast, and keep ears open for warnings instead of wearing earbuds.
- Experts said sudden heat has bees seeking water and defending hives, and noted a recent Lookout Mountain case as a sign of an earlier, busier season.