Approximately 25,000 bumblebees were discovered dead in a Target parking lot in Oregon. Some lifelessly fell from trees while others twitched on the ground before dying.

Bumblebees serve as an “important natural pollinator” in many parts of the world.

A Target parking lot in Wilsonville, Oregon recently became the scene of a grisly sight. Approximately 25,000 bumblebees were discovered dead on the pavement.

A conservation society notified the Oregon Department of Agriculture that the bees were dropping from over 50 European linden trees near the lot, after shocked customers made the discovery.

The bees would either lifelessly fall from trees, or twitch on the ground before dying. Ladybugs were also found dead in the parking area. The Agriculture Department’s director of plant programs stated “I've never encountered anything quite like it in 30 years in the business.”

It is believed pesticides are to blame but the state’s agriculture department is waiting for test results to confirm the exact cause of death. The trees were recently coated with an insecticide known as Safari, which is said to be highly toxic to bees.

The State of Oregon is currently investigating the unusual and troubling case.