Idaho Fish and Game cannot reimburse homeowners for removing Japanese Yew

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is walking back a promise to reimburse homeowners for the cost of removing the ornamental plant Japanese Yew from their home landscaping. The plant has been shown to be fatal to large animals looking for winter forage. Spokesman Mike Keckler said the agency simply cannot afford the cost of reimbursement across the state. The department is encouraging homeowners to consider removing the plant anyway. Instead of removing it, land owners may also wrap the plant with burlap during the winter and spring if they live in or near big game winter range. Dozens of big game animals including deer, elk, and pronghorn have died this year after eating the plant. Deaths were reported from Payette to Idaho Falls.