Ornamental vegetation kills three Anchorage moose

Three moose have died this year in Anchorage from cyanide poisoning after eating European bird cherry, also known as chokecherry, wildlife officials say.

The Department of Fish and Game says two calves died in January and a third in February after eating recently frozen chokecherry buds, branches and berries. The third moose also ate toxic amounts of Japanese yew.

Eating chokecherry is not typically dangerous for people or pets but the department says animals with segmented stomachs such as moose, cattle, goats and deer can be at risk.

The plant reacts with chemicals in the stomachs to release cyanide gas that can kill a moose in 20 minutes.

The department says property owners should cover or dispose of chokecherry and Japanese yew clippings.