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Deadly Mushroom Scare in Utah Debunked: Destroying Angel Misidentified


SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A recent Reddit post sparked concern among Utah residents after a user claimed to have discovered one of the world's deadliest mushrooms in various parts of Salt Lake City. The user identified the mushroom as the "destroying angel," notorious for its lethal toxicity. However, experts have debunked this alarming claim.


Bryn Dentinger, an associate professor in the plant biology department at the University of Utah, clarified the situation, stating that the so-called "destroying angel" is indeed one of the deadliest mushrooms worldwide, but Utahns have no reason to panic. "At the moment, there is no record of destroying angels in Utah," Dentinger assured.


According to Dentinger, the mushroom in question was misidentified by the Reddit user. Instead of the feared destroying angel, the mushroom was actually a species known as smooth lepiota or white dapperling. These mushrooms, while potentially causing illness if ingested, do not carry the deadly risk associated with the destroying angel.


The destroying angel, a member of the Amanita genus, is infamous for its potent toxins that can cause severe liver and kidney damage, often leading to death if ingested. Fortunately, these dangerous mushrooms have not been documented in Utah, alleviating immediate concerns of locals about encountering this lethal fungus in their yards or cities.


This incident underscores the importance of accurate mushroom identification and the potential dangers of misidentification. While Utahns can breathe a sigh of relief for now, it's always wise to exercise caution around wild mushrooms and consult experts when in doubt.


Do you think people should be more cautious about identifying wild mushrooms before sharing their findings?

  • Yes, it can cause unnecessary panic.

  • No, it raises awareness about wild mushrooms.

  • Unsure, it depends on the situation.



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