1 What to Do If You Encounter a Bear
Grylls says, “Bears are most dangerous when you startle their cubs, disturb them while they’re eating, or interrupt their mating.” “So always assess your situation, speak loudly so the bear knows you’re there. If you encounter a bear, slowly back away and choose another path.” The most important thing is not to run; running may provoke the bear to chase you. Bears can run up to 50 km/h—faster than even Olympic champion Usain Bolt. Don’t move. If the bear tries to communicate with you, play dead and protect your head. If the bear attacks you persistently, fight back fiercely.
2 What to Do If You Encounter Quicksand
Grylls himself has been stuck in quicksand multiple times and has seen many animals trapped in it. He says animals most often die from exhaustion. Fortunately, humans have intelligent brains. “So make good use of it,” he says. “Move steadily, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. Most importantly, stay calm. Panic can easily exhaust you and cause you to sink,” Grylls explains. “Try to move horizontally upward, little by little, using your limbs, then crawl or swim to safety. It’s best to retreat along the path you sank in, rather than pushing forward forcefully. If possible, try using your backpack or walking stick to help pull yourself out.”
3 What to Do If You’re in a Plane Crash
Fancy food and hot towels are nice, but in the event of a plane crash, first class may not be your best bet. On the contrary, Grylls says, “Research data shows that sitting in the rear of the cabin or near the wings is safer.” If you survive the initial impact, the primary priorities for survival are protection, rescue, water, and food. Grylls recommends focusing first on protection: move away from leaking fuel, then set up a visible shelter near the wreckage and wait for help. “Remember metal is not an insulator, so it’s better to build your shelter with insulating materials like branches, avoiding the use of aircraft debris.” Many people may want to walk to safety, but resist that urge unless you’re certain rescuers won’t arrive for days.