What you need to know about picking and eating wild mushrooms in Vancouver

In Metro Vancouver, brightly colored mushrooms like the red-capped 'Mario' variety attract attention but are poisonous. David McLeish, who spotted these mushrooms at Granville Loop Park, received warnings from a knowledgeable passerby. Mary Berbee, a University of British Columbia botanist, clarified that while these mushrooms are not fatal, the death cap mushroom poses a significant danger, with a mortality rate of 50% for those who consume two. Symptoms of poisoning from death caps can take hours to appear, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Berbee emphasizes the need for proper identification of mushrooms before consumption, as some urban varieties, like the shaggy mane and oyster mushrooms, are safe to eat.

Local mushroom foraging requires both knowledge and caution to avoid toxic species. Residents are urged to seek immediate medical help if they suspect ingestion of a death cap mushroom. Understanding both edible and poisonous varieties is essential for safe foraging in the region.