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Wilderness Survival Myths and Facts
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Drinking alcohol can help you stay warm in cold environments.
Myth. Alcohol may make you feel warm by causing your blood vessels to dilate, but it actually lowers your core body temperature and increases your risk of hypothermia.
A lean-to is the best type of shelter in any survival situation.
Myth. The best type of shelter depends on the environment and conditions. While a lean-to might be good in some situations, in others, different shelters like a debris hut or snow cave might be better.
Playing dead will make a bear lose interest and walk away.
Myth. This depends on the type of bear and the situation. For some bears, like grizzlies, lying still might be effective, but for others, it may provoke an attack.
You can suck the venom out of a snakebite to reduce the effects of the poison.
Myth. Trying to suck out venom can actually cause more harm and infection. It's best to keep the wound below heart level, remain calm, and seek medical help.
If an animal eats something, it's safe for humans to eat.
Myth. Many animals have different digestive systems and can eat plants and berries that are toxic to humans. Always double-check what you consume.
If you're lost without a compass, you can use the position of the sun to find your way.
Fact. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so during the morning and before sunset, you can use this to help get a general sense of direction.
Eating snow for hydration is a good idea when you have no liquid water.
Myth. Eating snow can lower your core body temperature and lead to dehydration. It's better to melt the snow first before consuming it.
Boiling water makes it safe to drink.
Fact. Boiling water kills most types of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making it safer to drink.
You should swim parallel to the shore if caught in a rip current.
Fact. Swimming parallel to the shore can help you escape a rip current, as you'll eventually swim out of the narrow channel of fast-moving water.
Moss always grows on the north side of trees, so it can be used for navigation.
Myth. While moss can grow more abundantly on the north side in some environments, it isn't a reliable method for navigation since it can grow on all sides of a tree.
Always follow rivers downstream to find civilization.
Myth. While following water downstream can sometimes lead to civilization, it isn't a guarantee and can sometimes lead you into more dangerous situations.
You can last longer without food than you can without sleep.
Fact. The human body can survive for more than three weeks without food, but sleep deprivation can lead to critical cognitive and physical impairments in a shorter period.
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