Short story about a space crew that is driven mad by a parasite species of sorts?

[Aznbokchoy]

I recall reading a short story back in high school about a space exploration crew that lands on a foreign planet. Soon after they begin to lose themselves to a biological species. The "alien" race (here's where it gets fuzzy) get into their heads somehow and cause dementia-like symptoms. I can't remember if they kill one another or if anyone survives.

I also vaguely remember that the "alien" species creates a hum or a buzzing sound in their ears that contributes to their madness.

I've scoured the internet for a couple years now trying to find this story! The title was either a short one or just one word if I'm remembering correctly.

I read it in a collection of stories, it was a textbook i think? Cant remember who wrote it, Asimov keeps popping in and out of my head, but I couldn't find anything.

I asked on Reddit and it's not "Nightflyers", "The Word for World is Forest" or "Collecting Team".

 

[Hugh]

Just maybe...

R.A. Lafferty "Thieving Bear Planet"

but you'd probably remember the thieving bears....

Another possibility:

Clifford D. Simak "Junkyard"
The planetary survey time find abandoned alien spaceships and piles of engine parts. They then forget how to operate their own ship.

 

[Aznbokchoy]

Just maybe...

R.A. Lafferty "Thieving Bear Planet"

but you'd probably remember the thieving bears....

Another possibility:

Clifford D. Simak "Junkyard"
The planetary survey time find abandoned alien spaceships and piles of engine parts. They then forget how to operate their own ship.

Ill try these! Thanks!

 

[Hugh]

Junkyard is more likely: it features in two Galaxy anthologies of 1954 & 1955, and it has the one word title. Thieving Bear Planet is probably too recent at 1982.

 

[Aznbokchoy]

Junkyard's plot summary is the cposest thing ive found. Im not sure if its the exact thing im thinking of, but its so close.

 

[Hugh]

If you need more details, I have the story in my bookcase.

If you make a positive identification, please let us know. It's always good to get news that a story has been definitely found.

 

[Aznbokchoy]

I definitely will!

 

[TomMazanec]

Reminds me a little of the Star Trek "flying pizza" creatures.

 

[Aznbokchoy]

Funny you mention that, i just started watching Star Trek last week, first time.

 

[TomMazanec]

The "pizza parasites" were in The Original Series, Aznbokchoy.