California County Sees Alarming Rise in Wild Mushroom Poisonings

Health officials in Monterey County are urging residents to use extreme caution when foraging for wild mushrooms after a recent rise in poisonings sent people to local hospitals. The Monterey County Health Department issued an alert Monday following several serious cases tied to toxic mushroom consumption.

“Some poisonous wild mushrooms look and smell like edible types,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, the county’s health officer. He warned that only individuals with extensive training should ever consume mushrooms they pick themselves.

Several dangerous species grow throughout California, including death caps, death angels, and fly amanitas—all of which are most common in fall, late winter, and spring. The death cap is considered the deadliest and can be identified by its greenish-grey cap, white gills, and a white sac at the base.

Earlier this year, three people were hospitalized with acute liver toxicity after eating death caps purchased from an unlicensed mushroom vendor in a grocery store parking lot.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning include stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially severe liver damage. Because symptoms often take 6–12 hours to appear, many people don’t realize they’re in danger until serious harm has already begun.

Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have eaten a toxic mushroom to seek medical attention immediately—even if they feel fine. The Poison Control Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-222-1222.

As mushroom foraging grows more popular across Northern California, experts say the safest approach is simple: When in doubt, don’t eat it.