The Dangers Of The Death Cap Mushroom Found In Maine's Forests

Maine is a beautiful place, especially its outdoors.

When you're walking in the woods, there's so much to take in, including the towering pine trees, the flowing streams, the growing mosses, and the scurrying squirrels. It can feel peaceful and untouched.

But amongst the enchanting qualities are some things you need to watch out for, especially the world's deadliest mushroom.

Yeah, it's in Maine.

The Deadliest Mushroom in the World

Some mushrooms are good. Some are bad. Some can kill you.

According to Britannica, there are a number of poisonous mushrooms, but at the top of the list for the deadliest in the world is Amanita phalloides, more commonly known as the death cap mushroom. The name kinda fits, doesn't it?

Mainemushroomhub.com says that they are highly toxic and can cause liver and kidney failure. The website also notes that it is responsible for 90 percent of mushroom-related deaths globally.

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Britannica highlights that within six to 12 hours of eating a death cap (so, please don't do this!) people often experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If untreated, it can lead to liver and kidney failure, coma, and, in over half of cases, death.

This is one nasty mushroom.

The mushroom website states that the death cap is native to Europe but has spread to the United States, including Maine's woods.

Where Can You Find the Death Cap Mushroom in Maine?

According to mainemushroomhub.com, the death cap mushroom tends to pop up in southern and coastal Maine, especially in oak and pine forests or even city parks with landscaped trees.

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WebMD says that they usually come out in the spring, late summer, and fall.

Plus, the more rainfall, the bigger the impact on the mushroom.

What does a Death Cap Mushroom in Maine look like?

According to WebMD, the death cap mushroom has a "smooth top cap that may be white or yellow with a green hue."

Mainemushroomhub.com also notes that it has "a skirt-like ring on the stem, and a bulbous base with a white volva."

They can often be mistaken for edible mushrooms, which, of course, can have deadly consequences. Don't be fooled.

So, how can you stay safe and avoid the deadly mushroom? Don't eat any wild mushrooms unless you are 100 percent certain what they are.

And even then, it's best to double-check with an expert.

Mainemushroomhub.com says to call the Northern New England Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you think you've been poisoned by a mushroom.

Look, there’s a lot of beauty in Maine, and some good mushrooms, too, but it only takes one misstep to turn a walk in the woods into a trip to the doctor's.

So enjoy Maine's outdoors, but remember that even in the most peaceful of places, you should always be careful.