A wetter and milder than average spring/early summer has led to Death Cap mushrooms being spotted much earlier than usual in the ACT, prompting a warning from health authorities.

Canberrans are being warned not to touch, pick, or eat any wild mushrooms now sightings of Death Caps have been confirmed in and around the ACT.

Dr Vanessa Johnston, Acting Chief Health Officer, said that Death Cap mushrooms don’t usually appear until March of April.

“An early growing season is not unheard of with sightings occurring in January this year,” Dr Johnston said.

Death Cap mushrooms are known to grow in the ACT. While they often grow near established oak trees, they can be found where no oak trees are evident.

Death Caps are easily mistaken for edible mushrooms.

The Acting CHO warned the community not to touch the wild mushrooms with bare hands and to keep children and animals away from them.

“All parts of the mushroom are poisonous and cooking them does not make them safe to eat,” Dr Johnston said.

“If you think you may have eaten a Death Cap mushroom, urgently seek medical attention at a hospital emergency department and take any remaining mushroom to the hospital for identification,” she said.

Symptoms of poisoning generally occur 6-24 hours or more after eating mushrooms, and include pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The chances of survival increase if treatment is started early.

The ACT has seen four deaths and a number of poisonings associated with Death Cap mushrooms since 2002.

Anyone who sees a Death Cap mushroom in a public area, can report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

For more information about the Death Cap mushroom click here.

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