Uncover the secret lives of animals and fungi in Animal Mycophiles, a journey into a hidden world of surprising partnerships. From worms feasting on fungi to elephants seeking medicinal mushrooms, this book reveals the captivating ways in which creatures interact with the fungal kingdom. Discover how animals hunt, farm, self-medicate, and even get intoxicated on mushrooms, all while playing a crucial role in the delicate balance of nature. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate web of life beneath our feet. Animal Mycophiles explores a relatively uncharted territory in the study of animal-fungi relationships. While some scientific research exists on specific interactions, this book uniquely synthesizes a broad spectrum of these connections, from foraging and farming to self-medication and even the consumption of psychoactive fungi. It assembles these diverse examples into a comprehensive narrative, revealing the surprising extent to which animals rely on and interact with the fungal kingdom, a topic not yet explored in a single book. This holistic approach, uncovering “secret lives” and “surprising partnerships,” distinguishes Animal Mycophiles as a pioneering work in understanding this vital ecological dynamic. “Prepare to be amazed and delighted by the fungal kingdom beneath our feet. Whether you’re a seasoned mycologist or a casual observer of the outdoors,  Animal Mycophiles will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the unseen partnerships that shape our planet.” ― Alisha Millican, Assistant Curator of Fungi University of West Alabama Herbarium (UWAL) “ Animal Mycophiles: Critters That Hunt, Farm, Self-Medicate, and Get High on Fungi  is a captivating deep dive into the strange, beautiful, and often hilarious relationships between fungi and animals―a must-read for anyone who loves to learn about the world around them. With an energetic and approachable tone, the book explores a world where flies buzz around fungal buffets, and ants and termites operate as underground mushroom farmers. One of the standout chapters features the unforgettable “Poop Squad”―coprophilous fungi that thrive in dung. From pollinators and reptiles to birds, monkeys, and mammals that munch on mushrooms for food, healing, or even a little fungal-fueled high, each chapter reveals just how deeply fungi are woven into animal behavior and ecosystems. It’s smart, exciting, and packed with fungal fun―perfect for anyone passionate about the wild intersections of mycology and zoology. It's all connected!” ― Kaitlyn Kuehn, a plant biologist/mycologist and the host of Flora Funga Podcast  “. . . Animal Mycophiles truly took me on a journey of the vitalness of mushrooms and Eva Gordon is an excellent guide. Even when talking about the more technical sides of their relationships, she keeps a light and even humorous tone. I found myself enjoying the descriptions of a bug’s digestive system, just as much as when she was describing butterflies getting drunk on nectar. Gordon writes her book in a way that allows me to understand even the most complicated of terms, like ‘zoochory.’ Her past as a science teacher really shines through when she expertly dissects the symbiotic relationships featured in her book. After reading Gordon’s book, I can confidently say that her writing is not just for mushroom experts. Animal Mycophiles is for anyone who loves what mushrooms do for them and the world. Even if you just have a passing interest in science, this book is for you. . . .” ― Grace Zander, FUNGI Magazine Eva Gordon, a former science teacher with 20 years’ experience, now shares her passion for the natural world through her nonfiction work on animal mycophiles. On the Education Committee for the North American Mycological Association, she is dedicated to spreading the word (spores) about mycology. Eva is a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences of all ages with her insights into the fascinating world of animal mycophiles and mycology for educators. Eva lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Wire-haired Fox Terrier.