Gwen Rummell Reporting –
Mushroom foraging, an activity enjoyed by outdoorsmen, increases in the springtime.
The most popular edible mushrooms during the warmer months in Ohio are morels, chanterelles, and chicken of the woods. In contrast, many spring mushrooms have poisonous look-a-likes.
Nick Turner, Harrison County Wildlife Officer, urges new foragers to do research before consuming anything they find.
“Several of the mushrooms that grow in the woods, they can cause anything from kind of an upset stomach and nausea or vomiting to some of them can cause death. So it is important to know what it is you’re looking far and know how to prepare it.”
To learn about proper identification, there are books, websites, apps, and library resources available.
It is important to keep a portion of a mushroom that will be consumed in case of a poor reaction.
If an individual starts feeling unwell, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.
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