Squirrel consuming “poisonous” mushrooms

The representative toadstool Amanita muscaria plays an important role in maintaining forest ecosystems by forming mutualistic associations with a variety of trees. A is also known for the poisonous properties its hallucinogenic constituents, namely, ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscarin. Serious cases poisoning humans may involve deliria, hallucinations, seizures, (rarely) death. typical symptom visual distortion size objects, phenomenon that formed basis mind-altering events described Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures Wonderland. Interestingly, we observed Japanese squirrel (Sciurus lis) routinely feed not only on but other species are to humans. This returned fruiting bodies several days, indicating it could safely consume “poisonous” mushrooms. ecological roles fungal toxins remain largely unexplored. One possible deter fungivores. However, fungivores always disadvantageous Amanita, because they disperse intact spores via their digestive tracts. Perhaps mushrooms facilitate mutualisms toxin-resistant squirrels, which can viable spores, while deterring toxin-susceptible enemies, negatively impact spore survival. If so, potential dispersal squirrels analogous seed mutualism, plant offers reward animal as disperser. How do eat mushrooms? What play dispersal? would squirrel-assisted contribute establishment ectomycorrhizal relationships within these ecosystems? These questions warrant further investigation.