Survival is one of humanity’s oldest instincts.
The idea of braving the elements and overcoming nature’s harshest challenges captivates us through shows like Survivor and Man vs. Wild.
But here’s the thing—most of what we think we know about survival is flat-out wrong.
These myths aren’t just harmless misconceptions.
In a real survival situation, acting on bad advice can mean the difference between life and death.
Let’s break down some of the most common survival myths and expose the truth behind them.
You Can Suck the Venom Out of a Snakebite
Reality: The moment venom enters the bloodstream, it spreads rapidly.
Trying to suck it out is not only useless but also dangerous—you risk introducing bacteria into the wound or even poisoning yourself.
What to Do Instead: Keep the victim calm and as still as possible to slow the venom’s spread. Keep the affected limb below heart level and get medical help immediately.
Myth #2: Playing Dead Always Saves You from a Bear Attack
Reality: Not all bears respond the same way.
If a black bear attacks, playing dead will only make you an easy target.
Grizzly bears, on the other hand, are more likely to attack in defense, and playing dead may work in some cases.
What to Do Instead:
- Black Bear Attack? Fight back with everything you have—kick, punch, and aim for the face and eyes.
- Grizzly Bear Defensive Attack? Lie on your stomach, cover your neck, and play dead. If the attack is predatory, fight for your life.
Myth #3: Find Food Immediately if Lost in the Wilderness
Reality: You can survive weeks without food, but only days without water. Searching for food wastes energy and exposes you to more dangers.
What to Do Instead: Prioritize finding water and shelter first. Once you have those, then worry about food.
Myth #4: Cactus Fluid Can Keep You Hydrated
Reality: Most cacti contain toxic or highly acidic fluids that will make you sick and cause you to lose even more fluids through vomiting.
What to Do Instead: Only the barrel cactus provides drinkable water, and even then, it requires proper filtration. Your best bet? Find shade and conserve your energy.
Myth #5: Moss Always Grows on the North Side of Trees
Reality: While it’s true that moss prefers moisture and shade, it doesn’t exclusively grow on the north side. It can grow anywhere, depending on conditions.
What to Do Instead: Learn proper navigation skills using landmarks, the sun, or even the stars.
Myth #6: If an Animal Eats It, You Can Eat It Too
Reality: Many animals have digestive systems adapted to handle toxins that would be fatal to humans. Birds and squirrels can eat berries and mushrooms that would poison you.
What to Do Instead: Learn to identify safe edible plants beforehand. When in doubt, don’t eat it.
Myth #7: Warm Up a Hypothermia Victim Quickly with Hot Water or Rubbing
Reality: Rapid warming can send a person into shock or cause cardiac arrest.
What to Do Instead: Warm them gradually by wrapping them in dry layers, using warm (not hot) bottles under their armpits, and getting them to shelter.
Myth #8: Punch a Shark in the Nose if It Attacks You
Reality: Landing a solid punch on a moving shark is nearly impossible, and you might just provoke it further.
What to Do Instead: If a shark is approaching aggressively, place a solid object between you and it. If that fails, attack its eyes and gills—these are its most sensitive areas.
Myth #9: Always Swim Parallel to Shore in a Rip Current
Reality: Rip currents don’t always pull straight out to sea; they can be angled or form in circles.
What to Do Instead: Swim at an angle away from the current while aiming for shore. If you’re too tired, float and conserve energy until you escape the current’s grip.
Myth #10: A Lean-To is the Best Shelter
Reality: A lean-to provides some wind protection but does little to insulate you from cold ground or elements.
What to Do Instead: In cold environments, build an insulated shelter that blocks wind and retains body heat. In hot climates, focus on shade and ventilation.
Final Thoughts
Survival is not about looking cool or following myths passed down through pop culture. It’s about understanding how nature actually works and adapting accordingly.
The key to surviving any situation is preparation—knowing what’s fact and what’s fiction could be the difference between life and death.
So, the next time you hear someone say they’d suck out venom or drink from a cactus, you’ll know better. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly—stay alive.
