19 elk found dead in Utah County likely died from plant poisoning
MAPLETON, Utah (KUTV) — Nineteen elk were found dead north of Spanish Fork Canyon over the span of six days, officials said.
The elk were located on the east bench of Mapleton — the first were found on Jan. 21 and the last on Jan. 27.
Scott Root with the Division of Wildlife Resources said they believe the elk ate a decorative landscaping plant known as yew, which is poisonous to them.
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Root said there are some plants that can be toxic for certain animals. They're not sure where the elk were feeding on the yew, but initial lab results concluded that all the elk had the plant in their stomachs.
Elk have been among several animals venturing into lower elevations this winter. Moose and cougars have also been spotted in neighborhoods over the past several weeks.
