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Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning in a free-ranging polar bear

January 1, 1989

The bright, fluorescent pink-colored remains of a polar bear were found on an Alaskan island with the gravel and snow adjacent to the bear colored bright purple. Traces of fox urine and feces found nearby were also pink. The punk and purple colors were due to rhodamine B, and ethylene glycol (EG) was present in the soil under the carcass. Evidence is given to suggest the bear consumed a mixture of rhodamine B and EG commonly used to mark roads and runways during snow and ice periods. Such wildlife losses could be prevented by substituting propylene glycol for the EG in such mixtures.

Publication Year 1989
Title Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning in a free-ranging polar bear
Authors Steven C. Amstrup, Craig L. Gardner, Kevin C. Myers, Frederick W. Oehme
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Veterinary and Human Toxicology
Index ID 70187697
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Alaska Science Center