"Mushroom picking" with loud consequences: how not to get lost or poisoned in the forest

      Mushroom picking is one of the favorite pastimes of many people in the summer and autumn. But emergency services are increasingly receiving alarming calls: people get lost in the forest, sometimes with children, or suffer poisonings from inedible mushrooms and berries. To ensure the "quiet hunt" doesn't end in search-and-rescue operations, experts advise preparing for the trip in advance.

      What mushroom pickers should remember:

      before you leave, tell someone close where you're going and when you plan to return

      study a map of the area in advance and mark landmarks

      charge your phone; take a power bank, water, a snack, and a first-aid kit

      dress brightly and in layers; don't forget a hat and gloves

      carry a whistle and a flashlight in case you need to signal

      even with a GPS device, carry a paper map and a compass

      don't stray far from the trails and don't fall behind the group

      don't start fires unless necessary, and if you do, make sure they are completely extinguished

      memorize noticeable natural landmarks so you don't get lost, and return before dark

      In addition, experts warn: everyone should be able to distinguish edible mushrooms from their poisonous look-alikes. A mistake can cost your health or even your life.