(KRON) — Two species of toxic mushrooms can be found at certain parks in the East Bay this winter, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) said. The mushrooms can be deadly to humans and animals if eaten.
The mushrooms are called the “death cap” and the “western destroying angel.” They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found anywhere where there are oak roots, EBRPD said.
Symptoms from eating the mushrooms initially include digestive problems, and they can progress to liver and kidney failure if not treated immediately. Symptoms typically appear in the first 12 hours after eating the mushrooms. Pet owners are advised to contact a veterinarian if they think their pet ate one of these mushrooms.
Death Cap
“The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem,” EBRPD said.
While it is typically associated with oak trees, the mushroom can be found near other types of hardwood trees. It is not native to California and was brought to North America on European oaks.
In 2023, three people died from suspected death cap poisonings in Australia. National Geographic said they are responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths.
Western Destroying Angel
The parks district described the western destroying angel as “a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base.”
It is native to California and only grows around oaks. It typically appears in late winter to spring.
(KRON) — Two species of toxic mushrooms can be found at certain parks in the East Bay this winter, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) said. The mushrooms can be deadly to humans and animals if eaten. The mushrooms are called the “death cap” and the “western destroying angel.” They are mainly associated with […]
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