{"id":16809,"date":"2026-08-27T23:12:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T23:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16809"},"modified":"2026-08-27T23:12:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T23:12:50","slug":"how-12-wasp-stings-triggered-a-backcountry-helicopter-rescue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=16809","title":{"rendered":"How 12 Wasp Stings Triggered a Backcountry Helicopter Rescue"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>Media reports exaggerated the attack, but the real danger wasn&#8217;t the number of stings\u2014it was how fast a standard trail threat can turn into a life-threatening SAR operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\">Initial information provided through 911 indicated that the experienced climber had been stung more than 100 times<!-- --> (Photo: Photo courtesy of Maria Masiar)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published August 27, 2026 01:40PM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Outside<em> Associate Editor Madison Dapcevich spoke with the responding search-and-rescue agency to debunk rumors about the number of stings and understand how backcountry visitors can protect themselves against wasp stings.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>A routine climb in British Columbia, Canada, quickly turned into an emergency when a 33-year-old woman was stung more than a dozen times by wasps on August 25.<\/p>\n<p>The woman, whose name has not been released, and her climbing partner were descending <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/route\/122790330\/throne-of-kings\">Redoubt Wall<\/a>, a popular rock climbing area about 20 miles south of Vancouver. Given the number of stings and the potential for a serious systemic reaction, Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) deployed a ground team carrying emergency medical equipment, including epinephrine, officials wrote in a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LionsBaySAR\/posts\/pfbid02nrKvdqPUrRSE4UhYwVtWxpMCSewZSxAa3rtr3whdcXxiqStw1GULXmVFJap8o5RNl\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe was experiencing a full systemic allergic reaction with hives all over her body. She was dizzy, had some difficulty breathing, and had low blood pressure,\u201d Maria Masiar, LBSAR search manager, told <em>Outside<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2753421\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"the arm of the climber shows multiple wasp stings, is swollen and red\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1039\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2753421\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wasp-stings.jpg?width=1920&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x, https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wasp-stings.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 2x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wasp-stings.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">The 33-year-old experienced climber was stung between 12 and 20 times<\/span> (Photo: Photo courtesy of Maria Masiar)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Initial information provided through 911 indicated that the woman, who is an experienced climber<strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0had been <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/british-columbia\/wasps-sting-climber-bc-helicopter-rescue-9.7321301\">stung more than 100 times<\/a>, but Masiar said she likely suffered between 12 and 20 stings.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut after assessing the subject, we believe that number was an overestimate,\u201d Masiar said. \u201cRegardless of the number of actual stings, the important issue was the systemic reaction of that much venom.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>North Shore Rescue helicopter crews and advanced medical providers hoisted the woman from the mountain and transferred her to an ambulance for further care, responding agencies wrote in a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1Dachs99x3\/\">statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2753423\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"view from redoubt wall\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2753423\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/view-from-redoubt-wall-scaled.jpeg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/view-from-redoubt-wall-scaled.jpeg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Redoubt Wall is a popular rock-climbing area about 20 miles south of Vancouver<\/span> (Photo: Photo courtesy of Maria Masiar)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>It\u2019s an Unusually Bad Year for Wasp Activity<\/h2>\n<p>Even a handful of wasp stings can quickly escalate into a backcountry emergency. People with allergies may experience anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, and dizziness or fainting. Mild stings can cause uncomfortable pain, swelling, and itching. Carrying an EpiPen, antihistamines, and an emergency satellite device can help in a serious situation.<\/p>\n<p>This year has been particularly bad for wasps in the area, Masiar said. Yellowjackets in southern B.C. nest in the ground, often hiding their colonies beneath roots, rocks, logs, or other vegetation near trails. A person may not see the nest until they accidentally step on or near it, inciting dozens of wasps to defend their colony, LBSAR wrote in a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lbsar.com\/news\/wasp-season-has-arrived-help-us-map-active-nests\">blog post<\/a>. Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly.<\/p>\n<p><iframe class=\"fp-remove mx-auto fp-remove\" src=\"https:\/\/www.riddle.com\/view\/1vUgygc4\" height=\"750\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u201cInterestingly, a second climbing party descended through the same area about an hour later and was also stung by the same wasps\u2014approximately 20 times,\u201d Masiar said. \u201cFortunately, they did not develop a systemic reaction and were able to hike out on their own.<\/p>\n<p>By August and September, a single colony can contain hundreds or thousands of guardian wasps all protecting their home.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWasp activity can remain significant into late summer and early fall,\u201d Masiar said. \u201cColonies are at their largest at this time of year, and wasps can become increasingly active as their usual food sources begin to diminish. This year, getting stung 10 to 20 times is NOT unusual.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Their abundance is in part due to a relatively mild winter followed by an early, warm spring. More queen yellowjackets were able to survive hibernation and establish new colonies, expanding their colonies by late summer.<\/p>\n<p>LBSAR tracks wasp nests across British Columbia and asks people to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"noopener\" data-afl-p=\"0\" href=\"https:\/\/wasp-watch.com\/\">report sightings<\/a> to its database.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>How to Protect Yourself From Wasps<\/h2>\n<p>Masiar said that it is an unusually bad year for wasps in the Pacific Northwest. Here are five ways LBSAR recommends backcountry visitors protect themselves from stings.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carry an EpiPen.<\/strong> Make it part of your regular hiking kit. A serious allergic reaction can occur after even a single sting, and it\u2019s also worth remembering that a hiking or climbing partner could be the person who reacts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carry an antihistamine as well.<\/strong> Benadryl can cause significant drowsiness, so our medical members generally recommend carrying a non-drowsy antihistamine such as Claritin. An antihistamine is not a substitute for epinephrine in a severe allergic reaction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Call 911 if someone develops signs of a systemic reaction,<\/strong> particularly difficulty breathing, dizziness or faintness, significant swelling away from the sting site, or nausea and vomiting. If you are in the backcountry, call early\u2014rescue and medical help can take time to reach you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wear protective clothing in known wasp areas.<\/strong> Long pants and long sleeves can reduce exposed areas, and a lightweight bug net can help protect your face and neck. These measures won\u2019t necessarily prevent all stings\u2014wasps can still get underneath clothing\u2014but they can reduce exposure, particularly if you encounter an active ground nest.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you disturb a nest and wasps begin stinging, your priority is to get out of the area safely and as quickly as you can.<\/strong> Keep moving away from the nest rather than stopping to swat at the wasps. Once you are clear of the area, assess everyone for stings and watch closely for any signs of a systemic reaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<p><span hidden=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-adventure\/exploration-survival\/british-columbia-canada-climber-wasp-stings\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Media reports exaggerated the attack, but the real danger wasn&#8217;t the number of stings\u2014it was how fast a standard trail threat can turn into a life-threatening SAR operation. Initial information provided through 911 indicated that the experienced climber had been stung more than 100 times (Photo: Photo courtesy of Maria Masiar) Published August 27, 2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16810,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16809","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16809"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16809\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16810"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16809"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16809"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16809"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}