Mushrooms abound in N.W.T. thanks to rainy summer

Rain put a damper on some people's summer plans this year, but for Velma Sterenberg, the rain just means more wild mushrooms.

Sterenberg is a self-described enthusiastic amateur mycologist.

She says she's been picking mushrooms since she was fouryears old, and comes from a culture of mushroom picking.

Some regions in the N.W.T. saw record-setting rain this summer. In Yellowknife, it was the third-rainiest summer in the weather records. ForSterenberg, that meansmore mushrooms.

In the Yellowknife region, shesaysthere have been more of one species of mushroom, and several species that appear to be in decline. Sterenberg says the Suillustomentosus, known as the Blue-staining Slippery Jack, is especially abundant this year.

"When you see missing species and one taking over, it signifies something is happening," she said.

"It's hard to say what exactly, or whether it's good or bad."

In the South Slave region, record rainfalls have also led to increased numbers of mushrooms, according to Bruce Green of Hay River.

He is a retired teacher and biologistand says this is one of the best years for mushrooms that he can recall.

Green saysthere are always millions of mushroom spores in the air and the soil, and conditions have to be favourable for them to thrive. Those conditions include adequate moisture and mild temperatures.

He says that although there are a lot of mushrooms this year, you have to be very careful when foraging.

"Substantial portions of mushrooms are poisonous, and some are very deadly. You have to be very careful if you are to harvest," Green said.

Sterenberg agrees, and cautions new foragers about eating new species.

Morels area well-knownand popular type of mushroomin the region for picking, cooking and eating, since they grow in the remains of forest fires. But "false morels" are poisonous and can be lethal, according to a Northwest Territories Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment'sonline morel guide. And the false species can grow right beside "true" morels.

Another "critical" reminder from the department is to avoid harvesting mushrooms near exploration and mining sites, or gravel roads and high-dust areas. Mushroomscan accumulate toxic heavy metals and other contaminants, like arsenic.

The department advises pickers to consult field guide books before eating any mushroom.

Animals love mushrooms

Some animals are also happy about the increase in mushrooms this year.

Squirrels are harvesters of mushrooms, and their bounty can often be found drying in trees, left there by the crafty rodent.

Sterenberg says she has seen all kinds of animals eatingmushrooms.

"I am not a hunter, but I have found evidence of caribou, moose, bear, wolves, fox and different kinds of birds eating mushrooms," she said.

"Ravens in particularwill dig certain species of mushrooms out of the ground."

Not all animals are clever harvesters of mushrooms, though.

Mushrooms can betoxic to pets, like cats and dogs. Since mushrooms often grow on walking trails,dogsare at a higher risk of eating mushrooms and becoming sick.

What should you do if your furry companion eats a wild mushroom? Get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible, or call poison control, Sterenberg says.