Yellowknife (Sep 17/03) - Don't be fooled by the abundance of mushrooms growing in and around the city.

Although many of the species are edible, you can never be too careful, warned Walter Brown, an experienced mushroom picker.

The above mushroom is commonly referred to as a bolete mushroom. Some boletes are edible, however others can be dangerous to ingest. Boletes are distinguished by their sponge bottoms. - Colleen Moore/NNSL photo

The variety of species that exist in the region can be very difficult to identify, Brown explained, because distinguishing deadly from edible mushrooms can be an extremely difficult task.

Some poisonous mushrooms -- known as amanitas -- are currently growing all over the Frame Lake Trail, Brown said. These should be avoided.

"They are the classic red tops with white dots," said Brown. He also added that mushrooms growing within or close to the city could be full of environmental poisons, such as arsenic and lead, and should be avoided.

Dr. Kami Kandola, regional medical officer of health, has also warned individuals to be extremely careful when picking and consuming wild fungi. Unless you are absolutely certain of its identity, do not consume.

"I think people should be very educated in this community about mushrooms," said Kandola. "If you don't know it, don't eat it."

Kandola also warned parents to be conscious of any fungi growing in the yard, and eliminate it as soon as possible so children are not at risk.

"Parents have to be alert and should check their backyard and remove any mushrooms," she said. "Leave the picking to the experts."

While August is often the best time to observe and sample the variety of fungi in the Yellowknife area, Brown said that in the past the pickings have been much more plentiful.

"This hasn't been a particularly good year for it," he said.

Partially to blame is the low amount of moisture in the area, which is often responsible for bringing the mushrooms above ground.

Although the effects of eating a poisonous mushroom can depend on the individual, the symptoms are sometimes not felt until several hours or days after digestion.

Effects can range from a stomach ache to a slow and painful death.