Dave W Posted August 15, 2022 Report Share Posted August 15, 2022 I have heard it said that if an animal or insect consume a wild mushroom then that type mushroom is edible for humans. The other day I ran across a fresh fruiting of Omphalotus illudens (eastern Jack 'o Lantern Mushroom) that had apparently been munched by an animal, probably a deer. For most people, this specie is toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal distress. Maybe deer have a more resilient digestive system? This reminded me of another such thing I saw last year on Cape Cod, some Destroying Angels being munched by snails. Perhaps the life expectancy of the snail entails a shorter period of time than it takes for the amatoxin to kill it...? At nay rate, so much for the "animal/insect test" for "edibility." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svs Posted August 15, 2022 Report Share Posted August 15, 2022 All animals should have RNA polymerase II, target of amanitin, but may be, some have different versions of this enzyme, may be some are more resilient then others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOHNY Posted August 15, 2022 Report Share Posted August 15, 2022 I have found plenty of pieces of Amanita muscaria in the crops of Ruffed Grouse. I ate all those grouse making the assumption that the amount of toxins would be so diluted or metabolised that I would be OK. And I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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