Survival Tips You’ve Heard That Might Actually Be More Dangerous
When faced with emergency survival situations, many people rely on popular survival tips that have been passed down through word of mouth. However, some of these widely circulated pieces of advice can be more harmful than helpful. Here are some common survival tips that might not be as effective as you think, and could even put you at greater risk.
Encountering Bears: Retreat or Fight?
One widely shared survival tip when encountering a bear is to quietly back away. However, the appropriate response depends on the type of bear and the nature of its attack. Brown and grizzly bears often attack to defend themselves or their young. They will typically make warning sounds like growling or roaring. In such cases, slowly retreating is the recommended approach, avoiding any sudden movements.
If the bear approaches you closely and appears ready to attack, a common piece of advice is to play dead by lying face down and covering your neck with your hands. This can be effective with brown and grizzly bears in defensive scenarios. However, if you encounter a black bear or a bear that is attacking with the intent to eat you without warning, you may need to fight back to protect your life, as playing dead might not be sufficient.
Using Cactus Juice to Prevent Dehydration
Another survival tip suggests using cactus juice to stave off dehydration. While it is true that if you know how to select and process the right type of cactus, this method can work, in most cases, drinking cactus juice can cause nausea, discomfort, and even exacerbate dehydration. It is not the best solution and might make your situation worse.
Shelters with Roofs: Best or Not Enough?
It is commonly believed that a shelter with a roof is the best place to stay in harsh weather conditions. However, the effectiveness of a shelter depends on the surrounding environmental conditions. In hot climates, a shelter with a roof helps protect you from the sun and wind. In cooler climates, maintaining warmth is more critical. A shelter with a roof may protect you from wind and some elements but might not provide adequate insulation from cold ground temperatures at night.
Sucking Out Venom from a Snake Bite
A popular survival tip when bitten by a snake is to suck out the venom from the wound. However, venom will quickly enter the bloodstream, and placing your mouth on the bite can introduce bacteria to the wound and potentially transfer venom to your mouth and throat. Instead of attempting to suck out the venom, the best course of action is to keep the affected area below the level of the heart and seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
These commonly shared survival tips might not always be reliable. Understanding the specific circumstances and applying proven methods are the best ways to ensure your safety in emergency situations.
