Pusch Peak Bees

[Jim]

Since there are a few mentions in logs and comments, and because people might not read those before going, I will attempt a public service announcement here.

There is a swarm or hive of angry and aggressive Africanized bees in the lower section of the canyon portion of Pusch Peak's social trail extension off of the Linda Vista Loop. It is located in a group of boulders, shortly after the trail begins to get steep. It is, however, far enough above a less steep section of trail that outrunning in either direction is very hard, as that area of trail is both steep, was heavily used this winter despite that theoretical closure of Pusch Ridge, and it is highly eroded as a result. In other words, it is extremely hard to outrun going up, and my injured ankle skin lets me know that going down can be dangerous. Because the swarm was coming in and out of a group of rocks that are literally right on the trail, it seems that getting past this point is now nearly impossible until the colony is exterminated.

This directly affects Pusch Peak and Pusch's Flatiron, and could affect the Linda Vista Loop. The Pusch Ridge re-opens to the public population of hikers May 1, and hopefully these bees will be removed by Game and Fish, or some other agency, as my expectation is that they use the trail for sheep monitoring, and the bees, being so aggressive, could affect the sheep.

It was reported in a comment to a log, that a sign was placed either at the trailhead or at the start of the social trail extension, stating that the area was closed due to the Africanized Bees. However, that sign is now gone. Hopefully, the bees are eliminated, but if people go up there and encounter them, it would be nice to report it to someone who might have an interest in removing the bees. Game and Fish, may have an interest due to protecting the sheep and monitoring them in that area. The USFS might, but they seem like they might not care and probably don't have the money. Pima County or Oro Valley Parks and recreation, is a good idea, too. Keep in mind, that May 1, is when the area is legally open to hikers. HUNTERS are allowed access at all times. Otherwise, the more reports about the bees to an agency that could remove them, the more likely that is to happen. May 1, people.

If you chose to go and they attack you, the best I can offer is to not crush them on you, as that releases a pheromone that makes them more aggressive, which would explain why I was mildly harassed going up, but rapidly and aggressively attacked coming down. A hat keeps them out of your hair, but I was stung through my shirt and all over my neck. They like it up higher, so a towel over your face and neck might be a smart accessory. I like Pusch and all that, but until this nuisance of man's arrogance is handled (the exotic bees, not me), I won't go there, sister.

[PrestonSands]

A beekeeping suit, a baseball bat, and a few cans of Raid may be necessary hiking gear.

[Grimey]

84-YEAR-OLD MAN SUFFERS 2,000 BEE STINGS

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/ ... 5-15-34-46

Oro Valley, close to Pusch Peak, I believe.

[fricknaley]

The pusch peak bees are still there and active. My wife was aggressively swarmed this morning. I would strongly recommend avoiding this trail for now. Still no issues on Linda vista itself that I'm aware of

[azdesertfather]

@fricknaley Where did she get swarmed? How far up? Was it after the Pusch Flatiron turnoff? Hopefully she didn't get stung...

[fricknaley]

it was before flatiron turnoff. i'm thinking it was where the route curves around base of flatiron where the steepness begins. maybe 10 minutes up from the sign

[azdesertfather]

@fricknaley yuk. I was planning on taking a bunch of students up to the Flatiron to watch the fireworks on 7/4... Maybe the heat will run them off by then?? Dangit. I remember, I think it was May 2013, when you were there and saw paramedics taking a guy out who had been attacked on the Linda Vista loop, right? It gave me false hope they were more seasonally active.

[azbackpackr]

@azdesertfather
So, obviously The Powers That Be know about the bees. Would be great if a beekeeper could be persuaded to go in there. Free bees, and all that.

[fricknaley]

@azdesertfather
strongly recommend against it Dave

[jrousoshammond]

I climbed Pusch yesterday morning and saw some suspicious bees, but they didn't give me any trouble. I'd still be really careful on that trail. Details are in my 7/5 triplog... http://hikearizona.com/trip=119227

[PrestonSands]

If I had a beekeeping suit, I'd take that hive out.

[joebartels]

We service the entire state of Arizona!
Free swarm collection: Tucson, Flagstaff, Phoenix

http://tucson.craigslist.org/fgs/5109822492.html

probably not in the mountains so invite them on a hike

[sanicki]

I'm new to the area and just started hiking this trail regularly. I haven't quite made it up to Pusch Peak yet, but hope to before it gets too hot.

A few months back on one of my first hikes on the social trail section another hiker warned me he'd just seen an active hive around the Flatiron/Peak split. I did not see the hive then or on subsequent hikes, but did have a run-in with a swarm on the Flatiron about a week ago in the late afternoon. I was able to hot foot it away unstung so they may not be the Africanized bees mentioned earlier in this thread, but I was concerned enough to join this forum to provide others a heads up.

[Jim]

Thanks for the update! I no longer hike this, and likely won't any time soon since I moved from that area to the Valley, but there may be some locals and folks such as yourself who will appreciate any updates. They were below the first steep part last May, and may have moved or another hive came in.

Also, you'll get the summit in time. It's a fun one.