Deceptive Delicacies: Poisonous Look-Alikes in the World of Edible Mushrooms
Mushroom foraging can be a fun way to connect with nature, but eating wild mushrooms comes with serious risks. In this presentation, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes made by mushroom hunters, including how certain toxic mushrooms can be confused with edible ones. We’ll highlight notorious look-alike species that have led to poisonings, and gain insight into a few key mechanisms of mushroom toxicity. We'll also cover practical tips to avoid mushroom-related illness. Whether you're a curious beginner, an experienced forager, or just interested in the science of fungi, this talk will help you stay informed and safe when it comes to wild mushrooms.

Michael Yeh is a medical toxicology physician based in Atlanta and the current secretary of the Mushroom Club of Georgia. He is board-certified in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and medical toxicology, and has experience in poison center consulting and public health. He is an nerdy amateur mushroom enthusiast who enjoys exploring the local woods for unusual fungi and plants.