TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A group of hikers in the mountains of Kaohsiung were attacked by a swarm of hornets on Sunday, with three people sent to the hospital.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. while three people in their 50s were hiking a trail in Kaohsiung’s Dagangshan Scenic Area, reported UDN. The attack occurred suddenly and prompted the hikers to flee quickly down the mountain.
The three victims, two women and one man, suffered stings around their the face, neck, and back. After calling for help, emergency responders rushed all three to Kaohsiung Show Chwan Memorial Hospital for treatment. Doctors said that their injuries are not life-threatening.
The victims were unable to identify the species of insect that attacked them. Local police said they were likely attacked by one of the seven-species of hornets found in Taiwan’s mountainous regions.
When hiking in the mountains, authorities urge people to remain calm when encountering bees or hornets, but to leave the area quickly if they notice aggressive behavior from the insects.
It is also a good idea to travel with companions to reduce the chance of fatal attacks. In a separate incident that occurred on Sunday in New Taipei, a man in his 30s was attacked by hornets while hiking alone on Keelung mountain, reported UDN.
The attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. Fortunately the man’s phone had a signal and he was able to report the incident and ask for help.
Rescue personnel from the New Taipei Fire Department were able to locate the man some distance from the main trail around 12:48 p.m. He was sent to the Keelung branch of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The New Taipei Fire Department warned people not to swat at aggressive hornets, which are very territorial. They also advise people hiking in the summer to avoid wearing bright colored clothing and using products with strong fragrances so as not to startle local bee or hornets that may be nesting near trails.
Typically, hornet and bee attacks occur with greater frequency in the late summer and early autumn. However, sustained high temperatures across Taiwan may have led to an earlier start of the mating season for the insects this year.
If you or a member of your hiking group is stung while on the trail, it is important not to respond aggressively, which may trigger more bees to retaliate. It is also advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any anaphylactic reaction, even if one’s injuries seem minor.
