With months of good weather ahead, it's an excellent time to set out on an adventure. But if you run into trouble, you'll want to make sure you know what to do.
ADVERTISEMENT
10 survival myths that might get you killed
Play dead if a bear starts nosing around. Use moss on trees to find "north." Heard these tips? Careful —they're not always true.
Nope.
There's something about the idea of being able to survive in the wilderness that's thrilling. We glorify it with TV shows like "Survivor" and "Man vs. Wild."
But survival in the harsh conditions of nature is no simple affair, and most lessons can't be learned from television. In fact, some of the "survival advice" that we've picked up over the years is wrong, often dangerously so.
Here are some myths you don't want to rely on if a short jaunt outdoors turns disastrous.
ADVERTISEMENT
Myth: You can suck the venom out of a snakebite.
Myth: Always play dead when you are attacked by a bear.
Fact: If you are out in the woods and you see a bear, the general advice is to quietly back away. If it's in your yard or around your campsite, make yourself large and loud, which hopefully will scare it off.
But in the case of an actual attack, your reaction strategy should depend on the bear and on the type of attack. Never play dead if a black bear attacks — always fight back.
In most cases, a brown or grizzly bear attacks to defend itself or its cubs. At these times it will warn you off by making noise and pretending to charge. Back away from a defensive attack slowly. If the bear makes contact, play dead lying on your stomach with your hands over your neck. But in the rare case of a predatory attack, which comes with no warning (or if the bear seems to be stalking you), fight for your life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Myth: You need to find a food supply immediately if you are lost in the wilderness.
Myth: The fluid in a cactus can save you from dying of thirst.
Myth: Moss grows on the north side of a tree.
Myth: If an animal eats something, it’s safe for you to eat it.
Myth: Rub someone's skin or put them in a hot tub to warm them up if they're freezing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Myth: If a shark attacks you, punch it in the nose.
Myth: Always swim parallel to shore if you are caught in a rip current.
Myth: A lean-to is a great shelter.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
ADVERTISEMENT