Pusch Peak Bees
Posted: Apr 19 2015 4:01 pm
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.
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.