The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) confirmed a mule deer fawn died on the outskirts of Rexburg, Idaho, after ingesting Japanese yew, a toxic ornamental shrub for landscaping.
“This is the first death I have seen this year caused by the plant and I hope it does not become a pattern,” said Andrew Sorensen, IDFG conservation officer.
A particularly harsh winter in 2016-17 drove elk and other wildlife into the urban interface in Idaho where more than 78 elk, antelope and other animals died from eating Japanese yew.
Biologists encourage homeowners living on the edge of towns or in rural areas to consider alternative plants when landscaping and to replace Japanese yew plants if they have them. In addition, anything a homeowner can do to prevent animals from gaining access to the plants is helpful.
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(Photo source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game)