The footage of the baby bear being drunk after drinking the drug known as Mad Honey was circulated on social media. The incident took place in Douz, northwestern Turkey. After drinking alcohol, the female bear was unable to move and was riding behind a vehicle. The drug known as Daily Bal is found only in the Himalayan valleys and in Turkey. Some rhododendron plants here produce an intoxicating chemical called grayanotoxin in their honey. Mad honey is produced by bees drinking the nectar from these plants.
This red mud colored honey has a bitter taste and a strong smell. It can cause intoxication in mammals. Experts say that eating even a spoonful of such honey directly or mixed with water can cause strong intoxication. The female bear in the Dooz drank more of this honey and became intoxicated for a long time. Europeans called this honey Miel Pho. Consuming large amounts of this honey can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. It will also lead to unconsciousness, nerve damage etc.
In rare cases, intoxication may also cause death. In Turkey, about a dozen people a year are admitted to the hospital after drinking this honey. A liter of Mad Honey is said to fetch up to $120 on the black market. Greek soldiers marching through Turkey in 401 BC accidentally drank this honey and many became bedridden. In 69 BC, Pompey’s army also fainted after drinking this honey in Turkey. Locals also attacked the soldiers who were trapped. This honey is also available in Nepal.
English Summary: Bear Cub High on ‘Mad Honey’ Rescued by Park Rangers in Turkey