How to Survive in the Wild

In case you are out in woods and you realize that you can't remember which direction you came from, get alarmed. It means that you are lost! However, don't panic. If there is a faintest possibility of getting to civilization do work in that direction without further delay. If not, then first start looking for a source of water to drink as you wait for help to arrive. Also start arranging for a shelter and look around for food as one needs to be prepared in case help takes a couple of days to arrive. Nothing can be more useful than knowing the vegetation and climate of a place when lost. However, in case one is not that fortunate, knowing a few basic skills on how to survive in the wild in any climate would be very helpful.

Learn Basic Skills on How to Survive in the Wild

Finding a Water Source
One of the most important tips on how to survive in the wild is to be able to find water. First look for surface water like rivers, streams or lakes. When lost in the wild try to move to low lying areas. If there is water in the area you are sure to find it low lying lands as water always flows from higher levels to lower levels. Lush green vegetation is also a good indicator of presence of water. Look out for converging tracks. These are left by animals as they move towards water source to quench their thirst.

Be it the forests or your home in the city, insects are annoying. However, when you are lost in a forest, a swarm of insects can indicate presence of water close by. Also look up to the sky. If you see birds circling over a particular area, a water hole may be present close by. Observe flight paths of birds in the morning and evening. They can point you towards a water source. Whenever you are resting, listen for sounds of a river or stream. In the quiet wilderness of a forest sound flowing water can be heard from a distance.

If you cannot find surface water, look into rock crevices. Rainwater often collects in gaps between rocks. Muddy areas may have groundwater available below. Dig a pit one foot in depth and diameter each and wait for sometime. Water will collect in the pit. This water will be muddy. Hence strain it with some cloth before drinking it. Avoid drinking stagnant water as they have harmful bacteria. Running water from rivers and streams are generally safe for drinking. Try to boil water if possible.

Plants can also be good source of water. Drinking sap of birch and maple trees will help one meet water requirements. This sap is also a useful source of carbohydrates. In case you are lost in some hot area where there is lot of perspiration, take a dip in the water to wash off the sweat as if it keeps accumulating on the skin it may lead to some infection. This is also a good way to keep oneself cool throughout the day.

Finding Shelter
The type of shelter that one finds or can make depends upon the climate and terrain. If the area is rocky look for caves. However, before taking shelter in a cave ensure that it is not home to some wild animal. You could stay around the cave during dusk as an animal living in the cave would either go inside the cave or move out in search of food this time depending upon whether it is a diurnal or nocturnal animal. If the cave is not large enough to be home to some large animal throw some rocks inside the cave. If there are snakes or small creatures in the cave or crevice, they will come out when a stone is thrown in.

If there is a natural pit under a tree, enlarge it and line it with tree branches. Another kind of shelter is a lean-to. To make this one has to lay long branches against something solid like a rock or a log and criss-cross this structure using smaller branches or shrubbery on top. Keep the lean-to small as smaller the size of this shelter, the better insulation it provides.

In case the area is damp and wet, build yourself a bog bed. Lay branches on top of each other in a criss cross pattern to make a solid and dry foundation for a lean-to, or use it as an open bed pad. Whatever material you use to make the shelter, check that they are free of insects or other small poisonous animals. Light a fire at night to keep wild animals away while you sleep.

Making a Fire
Being able to light a fire in the wild is crucial for survival. Not only would it keep one warm, but it would scare away wild animals in the night and can be used to cook food and boil water. In case you have a lighter or a match box, consider yourself blessed. Collect some dry twigs and leaves and light a fire. One could also use the lens of a magnifying glass to converge the sun rays on a heap of dried twigs or leaves. In case none of the amenities of the civilized world is available, get two pieces of dry wood. Sharpen the tip of one of them and use it to drill into the other piece. Put dry grass into the pit and rub it with the pointed piece of wood. As soon as sparks are produced in the pit turn the wide piece of wood over a pile of dry grass and twigs that you should have ready beside you.

Getting Food
Stick to known plant specimens like nuts, berries, and fruits while looking for food in the wild. A good strategy is to observe what animals eat. If the food is safe for them, it should be safe for human beings as well. Dig up roots of edible plants like wild onions and carrots. Dig traps to catch rabbits or other mammals as they are important source of proteins. You could also consider fishing if there is a water source close by.

The closest contact with nature that we city dwellers have are the parks. It is due to this reason that the thought of getting lost in the woods sends a chill down our spines. However, we can't sever our tie with nature. Freak accidents can often make us face nature in its most raw state. It is here that common sense and knowledge of the basic skills on how to survive in the wild can decide our fate.