02 Essential knowledge for survival in the wild

This guide will give a deep dive into the world’s most dangerous poisonous mushrooms, focusing specifically on the types that may be encountered in North America.Whether you are an experienced fungus collector or a newbie who just became interested in wild mushrooms, this information could save the life of you or your loved one on one day.

The fatality of mushroom toxins stems from their unique mechanism of action.Unlike bacterial food poisoning, mushroom toxins directly attack the basic functions of human cells.The deadliest amatoxins prevent protein synthesis by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, which is equivalent to cutting off the cell's survival instructions.The liver and kidneys, as the main detoxification organs of the human body, are the first to be attacked.

Death caps contain a variety of cyclic peptide toxins, most importantly Amanitotoxin.These toxins are extremely stable:

A medium-sized cap (about 50g) contains 7-10 mg of amanitotoxin, while the lethal dose of adults is only 0.1 mg/kg body weight – meaning that one mushroom is enough to kill two adults.

Practical skills: Gently touch the surface of the sterilized cover with your fingers.The cap of the death cap feels like velvet when young and becomes smooth when mature.Once this touch memory is established, it is hard to forget.

Experts recommend: Use a small magnifying glass to observe the edges of bacteria frills.The frizz around the death cap is usually slightly lighter in color than the frizzy surface, which is an important but often overlooked detail.

1. Use a mushroom knife or spatula to dig 15 cm away from the base of the mushroom

2. Carefully remove the entire mushroom intact with the base

3. Brush gently to remove the soil and do not rinse it with water.

4. Completely check the structure of the bacterial tract

1. Cut off the bacterial cap and place the bacterial folds facing down on white paper (compared with black paper)

2. Cover the bowl to prevent airflow from disturbing

3. Wait 6-12 hours

4. The spore mark of the death cap is pure white

In 2015, while I was conducting a field survey in an oak forest in Northern California, I found 23 death cap specimens at different growth stages in an area of ​​less than 100 square meters.This mushroom often appears in slices rather than growing in isolation.Once the collector finds one, he should search carefully around him, and there are more likely to be more.

Toxins are absorbed but are asymptomatic.This is the most dangerous stage, and patients often delay medical treatment due to asymptomatic symptoms.

The symptoms were significantly relieved and the patient felt better.This is a fatal illusion - liver cells are necrotic at this time.

In 2012, a family of four in Washington state accidentally ate a death hat.Parents mistakenly thought mushrooms collected in the backyard for edible straw mushrooms.The whole family developed symptoms 12 hours later, but they did not seek medical treatment until 24 hours.In the end, the father died, the mother underwent a liver transplant, and the two children survived due to low consumption.The autopsy showed that the father's liver weight was only 800 grams (normal 1500 grams), showing acute yellow liver atrophy.

Angel of Destruction is the most deceptive killer in the forests of North America.The all-white appearance is reminiscent of edible ponyballs or white mushrooms, but its toxicity is no less than a death cap.

-Smooth surface, slightly sticky when wet

When collecting any white mushrooms, the base must be excavated intact.If a cystic tray is found, discard it immediately and wash your hands thoroughly.Remember: Toxins that destroy angels can be absorbed through tiny wounds in the skin.

This inconspicuous little mushroom contains exactly the same amanitin as the death cap, but is often overlooked for its small size.

-Smooth surface, obvious transparent stripes when wet

Spore Print: Obviously rust-brown

Certain small edible mushrooms, such as larvae of ceramide, are very similar to semi-ovate ceramide.Inexperienced collectors may underestimate their dangers due to their small size.

Some psilocycid mushrooms grow in similar environments with semi-ovate annular mushrooms.People who pursue spiritual experiences may mistakenly pick this deadly mushroom.

I highly recommend that beginners avoid collecting any small brown mushrooms that grow on wood altogether.Even for experts, accurate distinction requires microscopy.

Silk-capped umbilical mushrooms contain muscarinics and can overstimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.Although the mortality rate is relatively low, it is extremely dangerous for patients with heart disease.

Atropine is a special antidote, but must be used under medical supervision.Self-use may cause atropine poisoning.

Some species of helmet spores contain amanitotoxin, which often appears in lawns and gardens, posing a serious threat to children and pets.

-Smooth surface, tan to cinnamon

Check the patio and lawn regularly, especially during the rainy season.Educate children not to touch or taste any wild mushrooms.

1. Mushroom basket (allows spores to spread)

2. Stainless steel mushroom knife (with brush)

3. Small excavation shovel

4. Handheld magnifying glass (10 times)

5. Paper bag or wax paper (storage in a classified manner)

6. Global Positioning Equipment (Record Location)

7. Digital camera (multi-angle shooting)

8. Outdoor Guide Book

1. On-site observation: record the growth environment and companion plants

2. Complete collection: Carefully dig out the entire mushroom, including the base

3. Store separately: each type is packaged separately

4. Detailed records: Take close-ups of the cap, pleats, stalks and bases

5. Make spore prints

6. Preliminary identification: Comparison using multiple guidebooks

7. Expert confirmation: Consult with the local fungi society

8. Small amount of food: even if it is confirmed to be safe, only a small amount will be tasted for the first time

9. Keep the sample: Keep the complete sample before cooking

10. Close observation: Pay attention to any abnormalities within 24 hours after consumption

Spore printing is a key step in mushroom identification, but many enthusiasts do it improperly:

1. Take mature but unrotten sterilized covers

2. Remove the sterilization stem, place the sterilization folds face down on the paper

3. Use black and white contrast paper (white paper for Amanita and black paper for Mushrooms)

4. Cover the container to prevent air from flowing

5. Let stand for 6-12 hours

Slight spray of water above the cap can accelerate spore release, but may affect color judgment.

1. Call 911 or the local poison control center now

2. Keep all mushroom samples, including:

3. Record key information:

Provide accurate information to doctors:

Required hospital:

1. Perform liver function tests immediately (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

2. Contact the Poison Control Center

3. Consider using silibinin treatment

4. Prepare blood purification equipment early

Professional Suggestions: Join the local fungi society and participate in the field inspection and identification activities they organize.These tissues usually have the latest regional toxic mushroom profiles.

1. Familiar with 10 of the most common deadly mushrooms in the local area

2. Master the spore printing production technology

3. Learn how to dig out mushrooms in full

4. Participate in the introductory mushroom recognition course

1. Establish a personal mushroom specimen library

2. Learn to use the identification key

3. Master the basic methods of using microscopes

4. Participate in fungi society activities

1. Learn fungal taxonomy in depth

2. Participate in the Citizen Science Project

3. Guide novices to identify mushrooms

4. Provide appraisal services to local medical institutions

Deadly mushrooms are a real danger in the wild environment, but through systematic learning and continuous practice, this risk is completely controllable.Remember several core principles:

1. Absolutely sure not to eat it before

2. Learn all the fatal species in the local area

3. Completely check each mushroom

4. Use multiple authentication methods

5. Make conservative decisions and give up if you have any doubts

Mushroom recognition is not a simple pairing game, but a complex skill that requires continuous learning and experience accumulation.Maintain a modest, cautious attitude and respect the power of nature.

Make these deadly mushrooms your "familiar stranger" – you get to know every feature of them, but always keep a safe distance.In the wild, caution is not timidity, but a manifestation of wisdom.

Collect safely and cherish life!

*The author of this article is a professional mycologist and has 20 years of experience in identifying wild mushrooms.The information in the article is based on the latest scientific research and personal practical experience, but there are inherent risks in mushroom identification.It is recommended not to eat any wild mushrooms until multiple experts confirm.*

1. Life safety first: There are inherent risks in the identification of wild mushrooms.Many toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible mushrooms, and accidentally ingesting them can lead to serious illness or even death.

2. Professional identification required: Before eating any wild mushrooms, 100% confirmation must be performed by a professional mycologist or certified mushroom identification expert.Photos, text descriptions and personal experience are not sufficient to ensure safety.

3. Individual Differences: Even recognized edible mushrooms may cause adverse reactions due to factors such as personal constitution, allergic reactions, consumption method or mushroom growth environment.Try in small quantities when eating a new variety for the first time.

4. Geographical differences: There are huge differences in mushroom species and toxicity in different regions.The information mentioned in this article may not apply to your region.Please consult local mycology experts and authoritative organizations.

5. Professional Responsibility: The author and the publisher shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damage, disease or loss arising from the use of the information in this article.