In Turkey, park rangers at the national park in Duzce, were surprised to find a disoriented bear cub that had eaten a hallucinogenic honey popularly known as “mad honey.” The cub was found partially slumped over and moving in very strange ways.
According to Reuters, the cub was rescued on Thursday and had been wobbling and crying as people rescued her from the forest and lifted her into the back of an open truck.
Mad honey, or “deli bal” in Turkish, is a type of rhododendron honey that can have hallucinogenic effects. The nectar of the flowers contains a neurotoxin that acts like a drug when eaten. In small amounts, the “mad honey” causes hallucinations and a high feeling . Overdosing on the nectar can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and other illnesses.
Beekeepers in Turkey produce the “mad honey” in small amounts. According to the Guardian, hospitals in Turkey treat dozens of patients with “mad honey poisoning” every year.
The honey is used for medical conditions including hypertension and impotence
The bear cub was taken to a veterinarian where she was treated and is doing well. She has been named Balkiz and will be released back to the forest soon.
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