Deadly Death Caps Poison California After Rains

Following a wet winter, California is experiencing a significant increase in poisoning cases attributed to the deadly Death Cap mushroom. As of February 7, 2026, at least three individuals have died, and three others have undergone life-saving liver transplants due to consuming these toxic fungi. The California Department of Public Health has documented over three dozen poisoning incidents since November 18, a number far exceeding the typical annual reports. Victims range in age from a 19-month-old child to a 67-year-old adult.

Health officials are urging the public to avoid foraging for wild mushrooms this season. Death Caps are notoriously difficult to distinguish from safe, edible species, and their toxicity remains potent whether raw, dried, or cooked. Recent cases have highlighted the devastating speed at which these mushrooms can cause acute liver injury and liver failure. Many of those affected have required intensive care unit admission.

The poisonous mushrooms have been found in parks across Northern California and the Central Coast, including areas around Monterey and the San Francisco Bay. The state has expanded its public health warnings to include Spanish, Mixteco, and Mandarin Chinese languages, acknowledging the demographic makeup of those affected. Parents and pet owners are advised to exercise caution in areas where wild mushrooms may grow.