Poisonous Mushrooms: A New Brunswick Concern?

There are a variety of wild mushrooms in New Brunswick, Canada, and while most are safe, some are definitely poisonous. Foraging for mushrooms has become a popular pastime in recent years, but it can be dangerous. Poisonous and edible mushrooms can look alike, and consuming the wrong type of mushroom can be fatal. For example, Amanita bisporigera and Amanita phalloides are toxic mushrooms that can cause liver damage and even death. When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to exercise caution and properly identify mushrooms before consuming them. There are local experts and courses available in New Brunswick to help hobbyists identify edible mushrooms and avoid poisonous ones.

How to identify poisonous mushrooms

Mushroom hunting is a popular hobby, but it can be incredibly dangerous. There are thousands of mushroom species, some poisonous and some edible, and certain poisonous and edible mushrooms look very similar. Therefore, you should never eat a mushroom unless you’re 100 percent certain what kind it is. Here are some tips on how to identify poisonous mushrooms:

Common Misconceptions

Firstly, it is important to note that some misconceptions about how to identify poisonous mushrooms have gained traction over the years. These "rules" are not sound advice in all circumstances, so they should not be blindly followed. For example, it is not always true that you can safely eat a mushroom if the cap peels easily (Death Caps do not follow this rule and are poisonous). Similarly, it is not wise to follow what animals are eating, as they have very different digestive systems to humans. Finally, it is not the case that mushrooms growing on trees are not poisonous—some toxic varieties, like Funeral Bell, grow on trees.

Characteristics to Avoid

Certain characteristics are common among poisonous mushrooms, so you can learn to avoid these particular traits. While you may miss out on some tasty treats, you’ll also prevent complications from mushroom poisoning.

• A volva is a bulbous growth at the base of a mushroom stem, usually found under the soil. The presence of a volva, especially if it has a coloured ring, is typically a sign of a poisonous variety.
• White gills often signify a poisonous type. If you don’t know the variety with certainty, leave it.
• Not all red mushrooms are poisonous, but many of them are. Again, if you aren’t positive about your identification, don’t pick any with red on the cap or stem.
• Most edible mushrooms will have a pleasant earthy aroma. Poisonous varieties tend to have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour.

Learning to Identify Mushrooms

When getting into mushroom hunting, it is important to use your resources wisely to learn how to identify poisonous mushrooms. Call on an expert to go out with you a few times and teach you the ropes in a hands-on manner. Additionally, buy a detailed guidebook or use an online resource to learn the basic terminology and parts of a mushroom. Identification is based on many factors, including season, location, surrounding plants, colour, size, texture, and gills.

Learning One or Two Species

The best way to become a master mushroom hunter is to take it one small step at a time. Start by learning one or two types of edible mushrooms you want to find. Gather all the information on that type, like location, season, how to identify it, and what dangerous mushrooms are mistaken for it. After you can find your variety without difficulty and spot any poisonous look-alikes, you’re ready to add a new one to your repertoire and repeat the process.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out

If you aren’t 100% certain about your mushroom identification, don’t eat it. Some of the most deadly mushrooms, like the Destroying Angel, look remarkably similar to other common edible mushrooms. It’s best to use the provided tips and learn about one or two species that you can identify without any doubt. Mushroom hunting is a fun hobby and a great way to get outdoors, but like any other activity, you need to practice safety.

Where to find edible mushrooms in New Brunswick

There are many edible mushrooms to be found in New Brunswick, Canada, including in the Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton areas, as well as in the Fundy and Kouchibouguac National Parks.

If you're a novice mushroom hunter, it's important to stick to mushrooms that either have no poisonous look-alikes or can be differentiated from their poisonous counterparts by verifying their characteristics. As a safety precaution, only consume small quantities when trying a mushroom for the first time, and always cook mushrooms thoroughly.

• Apricot jelly mushroom
• Bear's head tooth mushroom
• Chicken of the woods
• Hexagonal-pored polypore
• Horn of plenty (also known as black chanterelle or black trumpet)
• Jelly ear (also known as wood ear)
• King Bolete (also known as Cepe)
• Yellow swamp russula
• Yellow-gilled russula

These mushrooms can be found in various locations, such as the Acadian forest near the Bay of Fundy, old pastures with spruce trees, and newly cut aspen and poplar trees.

Remember to always follow best practices for mushroom foraging to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What to do if you eat a poisonous mushroom

While there is no information on whether there are poisonous mushrooms in New Brunswick specifically, it is important to know what to do if you eat a poisonous mushroom. Here is some information on what to do in this situation:

If you suspect that you or someone else has eaten a poisonous mushroom, it is crucial to act quickly and seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no symptoms. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as this can be dangerous, especially with mushrooms that have a long latency period, such as those in the Amanita and Lepiota genera, which can cause serious liver damage. Contact a poison control centre or your local poison control centre for advice, and they will guide you on the next steps. It is helpful to have a sample of the mushroom or a photo of it to aid in identification and risk assessment.

If the person who has eaten the mushroom is experiencing severe symptoms such as collapsing, stopping breathing, having a seizure, or suffering an anaphylactic reaction, call emergency services immediately.

It is important to note that there is no reliable home test to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. The only way to be certain is to have the mushroom identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist). Therefore, unless you are an expert, do not pick and consume wild mushrooms. Always buy mushrooms from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer.

Remember, consuming poisonous mushrooms can have serious health consequences, including liver failure and death. So, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional help.

Types of poisonous mushrooms in New Brunswick

There are several types of poisonous mushrooms that can be found in New Brunswick. Foraging for mushrooms has become an increasingly popular pastime, but it is important to be cautious as consuming poisonous mushrooms can be deadly.

One of the most well-known toxic mushrooms is Amanita bisporigera, which was responsible for a case of mushroom poisoning in New Brunswick. This species is known to cause liver damage and can be identified by its characteristic physical features. Another common species that causes mushroom poisoning is Amanita phalloides, which accounts for 90% of all deaths related to mushroom consumption.

Other types of poisonous mushrooms that can be found in New Brunswick include the Amanita elongata, Amanita flavoconia, and various species of Lactarius and Russula. These mushrooms can be mistaken for edible varieties, so it is crucial to properly identify them before consumption.

To safely identify mushrooms, it is important to go beyond visual identification and compare all the listed characteristics, including the location and time of year in which they are found. It is also recommended to only consume small quantities when trying a new mushroom for the first time and to always cook them thoroughly.

Mushroom foraging safety precautions

Mushroom foraging is an enjoyable activity that can bring you closer to nature and provide you with tasty treats. However, it is important to remember that consuming poisonous mushrooms can have severe consequences, including death. Therefore, it is crucial to follow certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable foraging experience.

Firstly, educate yourself about the mushrooms in your region. Obtain a regional guide that includes information on both edible and toxic mushrooms, as being able to identify safe mushrooms is not enough if you cannot also recognise the dangerous ones. Learn about the local trees that support mushroom growth, the types of soil they grow in, and their preferred elevations. Study the physical characteristics of mushrooms, such as their sizes, shapes, colours, stems, gills, texture, smell, and cross-section. Additionally, understand the importance of spore prints—by placing a mushroom cap on paper and covering it with a jar, you can observe the colour of the spores after a few hours.

When you go mushroom foraging, bring the right tools. A small wicker basket or mesh bag is ideal for collecting mushrooms and allowing the dispersal of spores as you walk. A knife and a small trowel can be useful for harvesting, and a soft brush will help you remove dirt from your finds. Don't forget to bring a notebook and a smartphone or camera for taking notes and pictures. A map and a compass can help you navigate, and bug spray, sunscreen, water, and snacks will make your outing more comfortable.

Once you are out in nature, wander off the beaten path to places where mushrooms are likely to grow. Scan the forest floor or study tree trunks, keeping your eyes peeled for potential mushroom spots. When you find a mushroom, cut it with a knife rather than pulling it up to avoid damaging the mycelium. Take notes on the mushroom's location, and take pictures of the mushroom itself and the surrounding environment, including the tree it was growing on, if applicable.

When trying a mushroom for the first time, cook it thoroughly and consume a small quantity, no more than two teaspoons. Wait 24 hours before consuming more of the same species or trying another new one. Do not consume alcohol when trying a new mushroom, as it may increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Remember, accurate identification is key. Do not rely solely on pictures or drawings; instead, verify all the listed characteristics of a mushroom before consuming it. Stay away from mushrooms that are overripe, damaged, or collected from contaminated areas, such as lawns, areas with fertilisers or pesticides, or old dump sites.

By following these safety precautions, you can confidently embark on your mushroom foraging adventures and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Frequently asked questions