Wild Mushrooms

Post date: Oct 23, 2017 3:55:2 PM

Mushrooms can be a growing problem

It's been a big year for calls to the NNEPC (Northern New England Poison Control) about mushrooms, and the season is not over yet. There are dozens of types of mushrooms that grow wildly in northern New England, and while some are safe to eat, others can leave you with some very unpleasant stomach symptoms--or worse. Most of the calls we get are about young children eating mushrooms that sprout up in the yard. Some come from people who ate poisonous mushrooms thinking they were safe. Among these types of mushrooms are pigskin poison puffballs (mistaken for edible puffballs) and jack o'lanterns (mistaken for chanterelles). Anytime someone accidentally eats a wild mushroom, or is having symptoms after eating one, call the poison center right away at 1-800-222-1222. If you're interested in learning more about wild mushrooms, check out this recent episode of the radio program Maine Calling. If you are thinking about foraging, get in touch with a mycological association and find out how to get the best training to stay safe.