Canberrans should not pick and eat wild mushrooms. Death cap mushrooms have been seen growing around the ACT.  

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman warned that death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are highly toxic and easily mistakable for edible mushrooms.

“As the name suggests, death cap mushrooms can be deadly, and all parts of the mushroom are poisonous whether they have been cooked or not,” Dr Coleman said.

“Eating wild mushrooms is just not worth the risk. Don’t eat mushrooms you have found in the wild, and only purchase mushrooms from a reputable supplier.”

Death cap mushrooms grow across the ACT, particularly during the cooler autumn months. While they often grow near established oak trees, they can also be found where no oak trees are evident.

Canberrans should not touch wild mushrooms with bare hands, and should keep children and animals away from them.

“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,” Dr Coleman said.

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

Four people have died due to death cap mushrooms in the ACT since 2002. Several people have presented to ACT emergency departments in recent years after ingesting wild mushrooms, ACT Health states.

Anyone who sees a death cap mushroom in a public area can report it to Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or by visiting www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/fix-my-street. Make sure to take a photo of the mushroom to help inspectors identify it.

For more information about the death cap mushroom, visit www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/population-health/fact-sheets