The tragic discovery of four dead bears outside a Pennsylvania church left officials—and the community—baffled. But now, after weeks of investigation, wildlife authorities have an answer.
The West Wyoming Borough Police were called to St. Monica’s Parish after parishioners found the lifeless bodies of a 300-pound mother bear and her three cubs in the church parking lot. With no visible signs of trauma or bullet wounds, suspicion immediately turned to something more sinister—or mysterious.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission labeled the deaths as “highly suspicious” and launched a public appeal for help. Toxicological tests were ordered, and the results have finally brought clarity.
According to the commission, the bears died from poisoning—specifically, after ingesting a common but deadly plant: English yew.
Toxicology reports from Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory revealed the bears had recently eaten the leaves and seeds of the English yew (Taxus baccata), a decorative shrub often planted in residential and urban landscapes. While it may be pleasing to the eye, the plant is highly toxic—especially in winter—and can cause sudden cardiac failure in both animals and humans.
The mother bear and one of her cubs underwent full post-mortem examinations. There were no signs of struggle or disorientation in the area where they were found, suggesting their deaths were swift. Chemical screenings ruled out antifreeze, pesticides, euthanasia drugs, and other environmental toxins.
With all other potential causes eliminated, officials concluded that plant toxin poisoning from the English yew was responsible for the bears’ sudden deaths.
The case, once clouded in mystery, now serves as a sobering reminder of how seemingly harmless landscaping choices can pose a lethal risk to wildlife.
