Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I heard several more elk died in the Sun Valley area but this time they were not associated with a feed site. Did you do complete a post-mortem examination on them, and how did they die? Answer: You are correct three more elk have died in the Sun Valley area, and none of these elk were near feed sites. Similar to the animals that died earlier at a local private feed site, two of the most recent elk also appeared relatively healthy. When they died they still had good amounts of subcutaneous and visceral fat stores. The third elk was different. It had no fat reserves and was found to be starving to death. All tested negative for the Clostridia bacteria; the cause of death for the earlier feed site mortalities. During necropsy, all of the latest elk had full stomachs. Gross examination of the stomach contents revealed they were all eating local landscaping vegetation; specifically conifer or "evergreen" trees. Closer examination of the vegetation and subsequent testing of tissues indicated the elk died from plant toxicity or poisoning. The elk had ingested large quantities of taxus or an ornamental yew shrub planted by landscapers around the residences. A quick internet search of yew or taxus reveals numerous articles cautioning arborists and landscapers about planting varieties of yew in the vicinity of grazing animals. In one citation it was said one mouthful of yew leaves could be fatal to a horse. When ingested, the taxine alkaloids in the plant have a profound affect on the heart, resulting in death from acute exposure, often with a stomach still full of yew leaves and twigs. The toxic chemical is similar to Taxol a compound developed from the bark of the Pacific yew and used for chemotherapy treatment of a variety human cancers. When elk respond to deep snow and move in and around residential areas developed on their winter range, they will forage on whatever is available. Often times what is available is landscape shrubbery and trees that were planted by developers and landowners that are sticking out above the snow. The Department has no authority to restrict landscapers and developers from using toxic plants in their landscapes. However, an environmental conscience and a concern for pets and domestic animals suggests avoiding plant species that are poisonous to animals. The Department encourages landscapers, developers and landowners to consult authorities for a list of non-toxic plant varieties when selecting landscape plants in areas where wintering wildlife are likely to concentrate. Non-toxic plant varieties can be identified and located through your local county extension agent or a certified arborist. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.