Officials Now Know What Happened To 4 De.ad Bears
Bear Deaths Investigated
In December 2016, four bears—a mother and three cubs—were found dead in a Pennsylvania church parking lot. The West Wyoming Borough Police and Pennsylvania Game Commission called the deaths “highly suspicious” with “no signs of bullet wounds or external trauma.”
Cause of Death: Poisoning
Testing showed the bears died suddenly near a tree, with “no evidence of thrashing or stumbling.” Post-mortem exams revealed the bears had eaten parts of the English yew plant.
Toxic Plant Identified
The English yew contains taxine, a toxic alkaloid harmful to animals and humans. The commission explained, “In the winter months, the toxicity level of the yew increases, and is cardiotoxic, which impacts the heart’s ability to beat properly.”
Toxicology Results
Tests ruled out pesticides, antifreeze, and other chemicals. The department concluded the bears died from “plant toxin poisoning” after finding yew leaves and seeds in their stomachs.
