Nearly a decade after four black bears were found dead outside a Pennsylvania church, officials have finally confirmed the cause behind the unusual and tragic incident. The discovery, first reported in December 2016, involved a 300-pound adult female bear and her three cubs found near a tree in the parking lot of St. Monica’s Parish in West Wyoming Borough.
At the time, local authorities called the scene “highly suspicious” due to the lack of visible injuries. With no signs of gunshots, trauma, or struggle, wildlife officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission were called in to investigate further.
Initial testing yielded few answers. The bears had seemingly died suddenly and quietly, fueling public concern and speculation. But now, toxicology reports from the Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory have provided clarity: the bears died after ingesting the English yew plant (Taxus baccata), a common yet highly toxic ornamental shrub.
The English yew is frequently used in landscaping across eastern North America for its rich green foliage and red berries. However, most parts of the plant—especially the leaves and seeds—contain toxic compounds called taxines, which are known to disrupt heart function. The plant becomes especially dangerous during the winter months.
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