A maintenance worker at an Arizona golf course was stung nearly 2,000 times by bees after encountering a beehive. Learn safety tips for bee encounters and how to avoid being stung
A maintenance worker at the Pebblebrook Golf Course in Sun City West, Arizona, faced a terrifying ordeal over the weekend when he was attacked by a swarm of bees. The incident occurred after the worker accidentally disturbed a beehive while on duty, leading to a sudden and aggressive bee attack. First responders from the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (AFMA) rushed to the scene to provide assistance.
The victim, a man in his 50s, suffered an astonishing 2,000 bee stings during the attack. This unexpected and dangerous encounter took place on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting the potential risks associated with interacting with bees.
The Pebblebrook Golf Course, located in Sun City West, is a popular recreational spot nestled in Maricopa County, just 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. According to AFMA officials, firefighters were initially taken aback by the sight of the worker, as they mistook him for being covered in grass clippings. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that he was under siege by a swarm of bees.
The exact trigger for the aggressive bee attack remains uncertain. To rescue the worker and protect themselves, firefighters donned specialized bee hoods and turnouts. They employed foam to subdue the bees, allowing them to safely extract the victim from the perilous situation. The maintenance worker was subsequently rushed to a hospital for immediate medical treatment.
As of Monday morning, the man remains hospitalized and intubated, underscoring the severity of the bee attack and the potential danger posed by these insects.
In light of this incident, experts advise individuals on how to respond when encountering a bee swarm. The key is to remain calm and slowly back away, avoiding any sudden or jerky movements that could provoke the bees further. Duane Combs, President of the Beekeepers Association of Central Arizona and a University of Montana Master Beekeeper, explains that when bees approach, they may first bump into a person to warn them. Swatting at the bees can be perceived as aggression, prompting more defensive behavior and increasing the risk of getting stung.
Additional safety tips to minimize the chances of a bee attack include avoiding dark or loose clothing and refraining from wearing strong scents like perfumes and colognes. Additionally, making jerky movements near bee hives and swatting at bees are actions that should be avoided to prevent provoking this insect.
The recent bee attack at the Pebblebrook Golf Course serves as a reminder of the importance of bee safety awareness. Understanding how to react in the presence of bees can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters and bee stings.