The wet summer across the Midwest has caused an increase in wild mushroom growth, leading to a surge in calls to poison control centers. From April to July, the Minnesota Regional Poison Center saw a significant rise in calls, more than tripling from the previous year. The center received 90 calls about potential mushroom poisoning compared to 26 during the same period in 2023, as reported by the center’s director, Samantha Lee. The increase in calls is attributed to children who unknowingly handle mushrooms and foragers who misidentify them. While most cases involve mild symptoms like upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea, there are some instances of severe outcomes. The increase in mushroom-related incidents is consistent with other wetter regions in the country, with a 26% rise in calls reported across states and territories from April through June, according to Kait Brown, clinical managing director of America’s Poison Centers.

In response to the rise in incidents, the Minnesota poison center issued a warning about the difficulty of identifying wild mushrooms for those without proper training. Common mushrooms causing mild symptoms include small brown mushrooms and white mushrooms that form “fairy rings.” However, there are also deadly species, such as the “death angel,” which can cause liver failure. Foraging for wild mushrooms has become increasingly popular, said Peter Martignacco, president of the Minnesota Mycological Society. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, in particular, has seen a significant increase in mushrooms due to recent wet and cool weather. Tim Clemens, a professional forager, recommended that individuals learn about safe mushroom foraging by going out with experienced mushroom hunters. Clemens also warned that identification apps can be inaccurate and that some guidebooks created by artificial intelligence are unreliable, leading to potentially dangerous mistakes.