Caps pink/red brown, irregular, felted, surface bruising darker, flesh zoned red black, bleeds red. Pinkish spines. Swollen stem, white mycelia at base. On mossy ground under balsam fir. We had very heavy rains Thursday and Friday—these were found on Monday. Is it possible that the rain caused this rather uniform pinkish color? I have seen something similar with Amanita amerirubescens after heavy rains.

Went back to same grouping on 8/14/13 (see new photos) and found young FB’s exuding red liquid that confirms the ID of Hydnellum peckii. Also tasted and smelled specimens. Taste slowly mildly hot, fading quickly. Slight chemical smell reminiscent of castile soap.

Last photo taken on 8/26/13 showing older FB.