Mushroom bounty and caterpillar allergy alerts in Poland's forests

Mushroom pickers have flocked to the woods around Ostrołęka as chanterelles (kurki) dominate the season, praised for their taste and long freshness. Forest officials note the good conditions but remind collectors to only harvest certain species to avoid poisonous mushrooms.

In the Rzepin Forest district, foresters have warned the public about the pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pinivora), whose urticating hairs can cause severe skin, eye and respiratory allergies. Visitors are urged to avoid contact with the larvae and their nests and to seek medical help if symptoms appear.