#death-cap

#death-cap

East Bay parks officials say hikers should beware of an unusually large number of toxic and potentially deadly mushrooms sprouting across the region. The East Bay Regional Parks District issued an advisory Tuesday warning park visitors about the fast-growing fungi, which include the death cap and western destroying angel varieties. Both species benefitted from a spate of early-season rain storms that allowed them to appear in greater volume than usual for this time of the year.

Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season. One adult has died and several patients have required intensive care, including at least one who might need a liver transplant. Officials advise against wild mushroom foraging Wet weather fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms, and officials warn against any wild mushroom foraging to avoid confusion.