LAKE FOREST, Calif. –– Bees stung a 77-year-old woman 500 times while she walked in an Orange County retirement community Sunday, leaving her in critical condition, authorities said.

The woman, whose identity was withheld, was attacked when a hive was disturbed by workers at Freedom Village retirement community, said Liz Bear, a spokeswoman for Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

"She's having an allergic reaction due to the number of stings," Bear said. She said the woman remained conscious while hundreds of stingers were removed and was expected to remain hospitalized for several days.

Paramedics who responded had to don bee veils and protective clothing to treat the woman, said county fire Capt. Paul Hunter.

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