Cause of Death Revealed for Bear Family Found in Pennsylvania Church Parking Lot

Authorities say the deaths of a nearly 300-pound mother black bear and three cubs discovered at a church parking lot in West Wyoming Borough, Pennsylvania, were most likely caused by plant toxin poisoning after the animals consumed parts of an English yew (Taxus baccata)—a commonly planted ornamental shrub.

Where the Bears Were Found
Wildlife officials responded after the West Wyoming Borough Police Department was called to St. Monica’s Church on December 6, 2016, following reports of dead bears in the parking area. Investigators located the sow and three cubs in or around the same tree, a detail that immediately raised questions about how the animals died so quickly and so close together.

Why the Deaths Were Considered Suspicious
Early observations made the situation unusual:

• No bullet wounds or external trauma were visible on the bears.
• The bears were found clustered around one location, rather than scattered across a wider area.
• Officials reported no clear signs of prolonged struggling around the site, which suggested the animals may have died suddenly.

Because of these factors, toxicology was prioritized to determine whether the bears had ingested something lethal.

What Testing and Post-Mortem Exams Found
To pinpoint a cause, officials transported the mother bear and at least one cub for laboratory work, including post-mortem examination and toxicology. The most important clue came from the digestive tract: investigators reported that the bears had recently consumed leaves (and, in some accounts, seeds) from an English yew plant.

Officials characterized the outcome as a rare event and noted they were not aware of prior black bear deaths attributed to yew intoxication at the time of the investigation.

English Yew: Common in Landscaping, Dangerous if Eaten
The English yew is an evergreen shrub often used in residential and commercial landscaping. While widely planted for its dense foliage, the plant contains cardiotoxic compounds that can be deadly to many animals—and potentially to humans—if ingested.

Key safety points about yew toxicity include:

• Toxic chemicals (taxine alkaloids) are found in leaves/needles, bark, and seeds.
• In animals, yew poisoning can lead to rapid-onset heart rhythm problems and may result in death before obvious warning signs appear.
• Because yew can be planted as hedges near homes and streets, it is more accessible to wildlife that wanders into populated areas.

Why Yew Can Cause “Sudden Death”
Veterinary toxicology sources describe yew toxicosis as especially dangerous because it can be peracute—meaning the animal may collapse and die quickly. The taxine alkaloids interfere with normal heart function and can trigger severe rhythm disturbances.

In practical terms, this mechanism aligns with what investigators observed at the scene: multiple animals dying in the same area with little evidence of prolonged distress.

Why the Risk Can Be Higher in Winter
Researchers and veterinary references note that yew remains toxic year-round, and some sources report higher taxine concentrations during winter months, increasing the risk if animals browse the plant when other food is scarce.

The “Perfect Storm” Before Hibernation
Officials also described circumstances that may have made the bears more likely to ingest a risky plant at the worst possible time:

1. Pre-hibernation feeding: bears typically increase food intake before denning to build fat reserves.
2. Urban foraging: the bears were reported to be frequenting populated areas where ornamental shrubs are more common.
3. Cubs following the mother: cubs often mirror the sow’s foraging behavior, meaning one poor food choice can affect the entire family group.

What Homeowners and Communities Can Learn
While incidents like this are uncommon, wildlife officials and veterinary toxicology guidance highlight practical prevention steps:

• Know what’s in your landscaping: identify yew shrubs on your property and understand their risks.
• Do not leave clippings accessible: yew trimmings can remain dangerous even after cutting or drying; dispose of clippings securely.
• Protect pets and livestock: dogs and other animals may chew branches or ingest leaves, and the amount needed to cause serious harm can be small.
• Report unusual wildlife deaths promptly: clusters of dead animals in one area can signal poisoning or another environmental hazard that requires rapid investigation.

Bottom Line
Authorities concluded that English yew poisoning was the most likely cause of death for the mother bear and three cubs found at St. Monica’s Church in West Wyoming—a rare and sobering example of how a widely used ornamental plant can become lethal when wildlife forages in human-dominated spaces.