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Pennsylvania Renovation Uncovers Decades-Old Animal Remains in Walls

Their insurer denied coverage, forcing roughly $20,000 in out-of-pocket repairs.

Overview

  • Homeowners Kaija and Bryan Bretzius in Schuylkill County found hidden items during insulation work, starting with old bottles and adult magazines.
  • Further searching revealed at least 20 chicken carcasses and other small-animal remains, some wrapped in newspapers from the 1920s and 1930s.
  • Dust from the desiccated remains coincided with fevers and several days of acute illness, according to the couple.
  • Recovered artifacts were transferred to a local museum, which may keep them off display due to contamination concerns.
  • The couple suspect a link to regional folk-magic practices, and local reporting notes descendants of a 1920s occupant still live nearby.