OutdoorSurvival Misconceptions and the Right Way to Do It
When we watch outdoor survival TV shows such as Survivor and Man vs. Wild, it’s always exciting to learn those wilderness survival skills, and you may have dreamed of becoming as cool as Bear Grylls?
However, surviving in harsh natural conditions is not easy, and most things cannot be taught by TV shows.
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Misconception 1: You Can Suck Out Snake Venom After a Bite
Fact: If a snake bites you and injects venom, it immediately enters your bloodstream. Putting your mouth on the bite introduces additional bacteria and may even allow you to ingest some of the venom. If someone is bitten, try to keep their heart rate low and keep the affected limb below heart level while seeking medical help.
Misconception 2: Always Play Dead When Attacked by a Bear
Fact: If you see a bear in the forest, the usual advice is to leave the area as quickly as possible. If the bear is in your yard or around your campsite, try to make yourself look big and shout — you might scare it away. But if you’re actually being attacked by a bear, your response should depend on the type of bear and the nature of the attack. Playing dead does not work for black bear attacks; fighting back is the way to go.
In most cases, brown or grizzly bears attack to defend themselves or their cubs. In these situations, they may try to scare you off by making noise or mock charges. You can slowly back away from this type of defensive attack. If the bear makes contact, lie on your stomach with your hands covering your neck. But if it's a surprise predatory attack, fight back for your life.
Misconception 3: If You’re Lost in the Wilderness, You Should Immediately Look for Food
Fact: Not so fast. You can survive without food for about three weeks. This time may vary depending on your initial condition and other health factors, but water and shelter are more important than food.
Misconception 4: Cactus Liquid Can Quench Your Thirst
Fact: This could work if you have the expertise to identify a barrel cactus that safely filters drinkable liquid. But in most cases, cactus liquid will make you sick, cause you to vomit precious fluids, and dehydrate you further.
Misconception 5: Moss Grows More on the North Side of Trees
Fact: Moss can grow on all sides of a tree depending on environmental conditions. Don’t rely on this method for navigation.
Misconception 6: If an Animal Eats Something, You Can Eat It Too
Fact: Birds and squirrels can eat certain berries and mushrooms that would be lethal to humans.
Misconception 7: If Someone Is Cold, Rub Their Skin or Put Them in Hot Water
Fact: Rubbing skin can cause further damage, and hot water can severely harm someone with frostbite or hypothermia. You need to warm the person up slowly, preferably using blankets or placing warm water bottles near their armpits.
Misconception 8: If a Shark Attacks You, Punch Its Nose
Fact: It’s hard to hit the nose of a moving shark. In rare cases, when a shark is biting, you can place a solid object between you and it. If that doesn’t work, go for its eyes and gills.
Misconception 9: If You’re Caught in a Rip Current, Swim Parallel to the Shore
Fact: Rip currents are frightening. If the current is pulling away from the shore, swimming parallel to the beach is a good strategy. That’s not entirely wrong, but many rip currents aren’t perfectly perpendicular to the shore. In general, staying calm and floating is safest, but if you must swim back to shore, swim parallel to the current to escape it.
You might find it easier to swim in one direction than another. Don’t exhaust yourself; if you can’t swim, tread water until you regain strength.
Misconception 10: A Lean-To Shelter Is a Good Emergency Shelter
Fact: The right shelter depends on your environment. In hot weather, you need shade; in cold weather, the priority is warmth. This means your shelter should block wind and insulate you from the cold ground. A lean-to might offer some protection from the elements, but it’s often not warm enough.