I am getting a little tired of seeing so many false survival myths that float around the internet that could put you in a much worse position than you would have been. The sad news is that here in the UK, some newspapers also reprint these falsehoods because they don’t have a clue about survival and don’t know how to do proper research to make sure that it is accurate.
During this guide we are going to be covering a lot of these myths and I will update this article as I come across more.
1. You Can Suck the Venom from a Snake Bite
I have been seeing this lie online for many years and, if followed, could make the situation a lot worse. Not only are you then spreading the poison to your mouth, but you are then more likely to introduce bacteria and cause infection. The best approach is to immobilize the affected area, keep it at heart level, and seek medical help immediately.
2. Drinking Urine Will Keep You Hydrated in a Survival Situation
This is one of those myths that the pathetic wannabe action man Bear Grylls thought was a good idea to teach his younger viewers and those that saw him as a ‘role model’ which he certainly isnt. Urine is high in salts and waste that can actually cause dehydration. Instead, if you can’t find a clean source of water, you need to focus on conserving energy and reducing any water loss. I understand it doesn’t sound as good, but that’s why Bear Grylls would opt to put you in more danger.
3. Moss Always Grows on the North Side of Trees
This myth usually falls under the navigation category of survival websites but it cannot be relied upon in a survival situation. Moss will grow differently depending on the environment, but always where moisture is present.
4. Eating Food is More Important Than Drinking Water
The human body is largely made up of water which is constantly being replaced as we go about our daily business. If you know the survival rule of 3’s, you will know that in terms of survival, water is much more important than food. The average human body can survive weeks without food but only days without water before it shuts down.
5. Eat What You See the Animals Eat
Different species of animals, including ourselves, have evolved and adapted to our environments. There are many different plants and berries that are completely safe for animals but toxic to humans. If stepping out into unfamiliar areas, take the time to learn the local flora and fauna first.
6. Punch a Shark in the Nose to Fend it Off
I don’t know if you have ever tried to punch or kick underwater, but if you have, you will know that there isn’t much power there. Also, sharks have very touch noses. Instead, if you are unfortunate enough to encounter one, aim for the eyes and gills.
7. Drink Alcohol to Keep Warm
I know from personal experience just how rubbish this myth is. Alcohol may make you ‘feel’ warm but it actually lowers your body core temperature by dilating your blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
8. Eat Snow for Hydration
This myth is pathetic, it will only lead to lowering your body temperature which can easily lead to hypothermia. Instead, melt the snow first before drinking it.
9. Boiled Water is Completely Safe to Drink
While boiling water is always a good idea as it kills most pathogens, it doesn’t always mean the water is safe depending on the source. Water can contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals that boiling just can’t make safe. You should always use additional filtration where possible.
10. ‘Swim’ in an Avalanche
There has been a myth circulating for many years that claims that the best way to escape being buried by an avalanche is to swim back the top. This is impossible due to the sheer force and weight of the snow. Instead, you need to try to create an air pocket near your face and stay as calm as possible to conserve oxygen.
11. Keep Predators Away at Night with Fire
While this may work in some cases, fire can actually attract animals to your campsite. Instead, you should focus on keeping any food away from your sleeping area and trying to create barriers between your camp and the animals outside.
Extra Myths That Could be Dangerous
- Following rivers always leads to safety.
- The sun is always directly overhead at noon.
- Stars always show true north.
- Tree rings can be used to tell direction.
- Caves are always safe shelters.
- Snow caves are easy to build and always warm.
- A tent is waterproof by default.
- All water from natural springs is safe to drink.
- Rainwater is always safe to drink.
- Clear water is clean water.
- Rubbing two sticks together easily starts a fire.
- Wet wood can’t burn at all.
- Charcoal from fires is safe to use as water filtration.
- Play dead to avoid all bear attacks.
- Bees won’t sting if you stand still or jump into water.
- Jellyfish stings require urine treatment.
- All white berries are poisonous.
- Red berries are always safe.
- Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
- Dark clouds mean immediate rain.
- Fog indicates water sources nearby.
- Insects are universally safe to eat.
- You can eat spoiled food if cooked thoroughly.
- Raw meat is a quick, safe energy source.
- You can eat cactus to hydrate and gain calories.
- Tourniquets are always the first choice for bleeding.
- Rubbing frostbite warms it up faster.
- Saltwater cleans wounds better than freshwater.
- Butter or oil soothes burns.
- You need to set broken bones immediately.
- Survival TV shows depict real-life scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Survival depends on knowledge, preparation, and adaptability. Busting these myths and focusing on real skills can dramatically improve your chances of survival in the wild.
