The bee attack occurred in Soldier Canyon above the first hairpin turn on the Mt Lemmon Highway. Three climbers were on a cliff face when the attack occurred. Two were able to rappel down, but the third was unable to and suffered some 1,500 stings....he is in the hospital and I don't know his condition. We placed a warning sign at the access point to that popular climbing area for a couple of weeks, but we are not going to remove the hive (we'd just get someone else hurt and we need the bees!).
While this is located along the Mount Lemmon Highway area, it is important to note that bees can be anywhere. So advise the SCVP and SCVN folks to be situationally aware. If large numbers of bees are encountered in a given area your people should avoid them. Please report it to me and we will see what actions area appropriate. We may not be able to remove the hive, but we will do what we can.
Joshua Taiz
District Wildlife Biologist
Santa Catalina Ranger District
520-749-8700 or 520-403-8277