A wet summer in the Midwest has led to a significant increase in wild mushroom growth, causing a surge in calls to poison control centers. The Minnesota Regional Poison Center reported a notable rise in calls from April to July, with 90 calls about potential mushroom poisoning, compared to just 26 in the same period last year. This increase is mainly due to children unknowingly handling mushrooms and foragers misidentifying them. While most cases involve mild symptoms like upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea, some instances are severe. Similar trends have been observed in other wetter regions of the country, with a 26% rise in calls across states and territories from April through June, as reported by America’s Poison Centers.

In response, the Minnesota poison center issued a warning about the challenges of identifying wild mushrooms without proper training. Common mushrooms causing mild symptoms include small brown mushrooms and white mushrooms that form “fairy rings,” while deadly species, such as the “death angel,” can cause liver failure. Foraging for wild mushrooms has gained popularity, especially in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area due to recent wet and cool weather. Peter Martignacco, president of the Minnesota Mycological Society, noted the rise in mushroom foraging. Professional forager Tim Clemens recommended learning about safe mushroom foraging with experienced hunters and cautioned against relying on identification apps and AI-created guidebooks, which can be inaccurate and lead to dangerous mistakes.