13 survival myths in check - what is really important for survival in the wilderness

Imagine you are alone in the wilderness. Just you, your mind, and the nature around you. For many people, this scenario is the ultimate nightmare – for others, the epitome of freedom and Adventure. Survival shows like "7 vs. Wild" break viewer records, and the trend towards a "Back to Nature" lifestyle is unstoppable. But between the romantic idea of surviving in the wild and the harsh reality, there is often a world of difference.

Our ancestors would probably have just shaken their heads in disbelief: while they did everything to escape the harsh wilderness and build a more comfortable life, today we voluntarily seek the challenge of nature. But this new longing for authenticity also has its downsides. With the popularity of survival adventures, numerous myths and half-truths have spread – some harmless, others potentially life-threatening.

In this article, we clear up the most persistent survival myths and show you what is really vital for survival in the wild. Because in the end, it’s not what looks good in movies and TV shows, but what can save your life in a real emergency.

The biggest myths about survival priorities

1. "First, make a fire!"

The blazing campfire is THE symbol of wilderness survival par excellence. No wonder many people instinctively try to start a fire first when they find themselves in a survival situation. But is that really the best first step?

The reality is different: a fire is important, but a secure shelter has absolute priority. Most people underestimate how quickly hypothermia can set in – even at seemingly mild temperatures. A wind-protected, dry shelter with an insulating ground layer can give you the crucial hours you need to survive.

Experts recommend the following order:

1. Find a sheltered spot for the shelter
2. Collect insulation material (leaves, twigs, etc.)
3. Build a simple shelter
4. Only then start with the fire pit

Fire is important, but without protection from wind and weather, even the warmest fire is of little use.

2. "Nothing works without food!"

The TV images of survival experts desperately digging for edible roots or collecting insects have deeply ingrained themselves in our collective consciousness. But the truth is: food is by far not as urgent as most people think.

A healthy person can survive several weeks without solid food, depending on body composition and circumstances. What quickly puts your body in serious danger, however, is lack of water. Without fluids, you survive a maximum of 2-4 days, often less, especially with physical exertion or high temperatures.

Instead of wasting precious energy searching for food, focus on these priorities:

• Find a drinking water source (stream, spring, rainwater)
• Establish water purification methods
• Store water
• Only then think about searching for food

3. "A sip of alcohol helps in the cold"

Who doesn’t know it from movies: the frozen hiker is found and given a strong shot of schnapps. This widespread practice is actually one of the most dangerous survival myths.

Although alcohol initially feels warming, it’s a dangerous illusion.

What actually happens:

• The blood vessels dilate, which transports more heat to the skin surface
• This heat is quickly lost to the environment
• The core body temperature drops even faster
• The sense of cold is suppressed by alcohol
• The judgment is impaired

Instead, you should:

• Drink warm, sugary beverages
• Keep moving (but not to exhaustion)
• Put on dry clothes
• Find a sheltered spot

Myths about orientation

4. "Moss grows on the north side of trees"

This "survival tip" has misled many hikers. The theory sounds logical at first: since the north side gets less sunlight, more moss should grow there. In practice, however, it’s much more complicated.

Moss grows where it:

• Moist
• Shady
• A suitable surface
• Little direct wind

In a dense forest, these conditions can exist on any side of a tree. Especially in ravines or on north-facing slopes, the distribution of moss is completely independent of the cardinal direction. Better rely on a compass or learn to navigate by the sun and stars.

5. "Walking in circles is a myth"

Many people believe that "walking in circles" in the wilderness is just an urban legend. In fact, it is a scientifically proven phenomenon. Without clear landmarks, people tend to move in large circles.

Reasons for this are:

• Slight differences in leg length
• Uneven terrain
• Dominant body side
• Lack of fixed points for orientation

To counteract this:

• Mark your path (branches, stones, marks on trees)
• Use several reliable landmarks
• Take regular breaks to orient yourself
• Follow natural guides if possible (streams, valleys)

Myths about dangerous situations

6. "Suck out the venom after a snake bite"

This myth is especially persistent – not least thanks to many Western movies. The reality is different: sucking out snake venom is not only useless but can even be dangerous.

Why sucking doesn’t work:

• The venom spreads through the tissue within seconds
• Sucking removes at most 0.1% of the venom
• Manipulating the bite site worsens the situation
• Risk of infection from bacteria in the mouth
• Waste of valuable time

What you should do instead:

• Stay calm (keep your heart rate low)
• Keep the bite site still
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing
• Keep the wound below heart level
• Seek medical help as soon as possible

7. "Always play dead during bear attacks"

That’s only half the truth – and the wrong half could cost you your life. With a black bear, you should fight back and aim for the face and snout. Playing dead is only an option with grizzlies and brown bears – and even then only if you lie face down and protect your neck.

Here’s a summary of what you should watch out for if you encounter a bear:

With black bears:

• DO NOT play dead
• Make yourself big and be loud
• Walk backwards slowly
• If attacked: fight back aggressively
• Aim for the face and snout

With grizzlies/brown bears:

• Playing dead can be the right strategy
• Lie face down
• Cross your hands behind your neck
• Stay absolutely still
• Only get up when the bear is really gone

General prevention:

• Be loud when hiking
• Carry bear spray
• Pack food bear-proof
• Don’t get between a mother and her young

8. "Hit a shark on the nose"

This "tip" clearly comes from someone who has never fought underwater. Landing a targeted blow underwater is extremely difficult – not to mention the situation of a shark encounter. In a shark attack, the gills and eyes are the more sensitive spots – but the best thing is to avoid sharks altogether from the start.

What you should know:

• Sharks usually attack from below or behind
• Water drastically slows movements
• The nose is not particularly sensitive
• The shark is faster than you

Better strategies:

• Maintain eye contact
• Stay vertical in the water
• If attacked: aim for gills and eyes
• Move calmly and controlled
• Move slowly toward safety

Myths about eating and drinking

9. "Sucking on a stone helps against thirst"

This tip sounds logical at first: a stone in the mouth stimulates saliva production and thus fights the feeling of thirst. But here lies the problem – it only fights the feeling, not the cause.

Why it doesn’t work:

• The body loses valuable fluid through saliva production
• Dehydration is actually accelerated
• The supposed relief can lead to false security
• Energy is wasted

Better alternatives:

• Seek shade
• Minimize physical activity
• Look for water sources (streams, springs, dew)
• Reduce water loss through sweating

10. "What animals eat, I can eat too"

A fatal mistake! Many animals, especially birds, can digest fruits and plants that are highly toxic to humans. Just because a bird happily pecks at red berries doesn’t mean they’re safe for you. Animal digestive systems differ fundamentally from ours.

Important differences:

• Birds can digest many fruits that are toxic to humans
• Squirrels are immune to certain mushroom toxins
• Some animals intentionally eat toxic substances
• Digestive systems have evolved differently

Instead, you should:

• Get to know plants and mushrooms beforehand
• When in doubt, avoid
• Only perform universal edibility tests in absolute emergencies
• Focus on known, safe food sources

11. "Forest berries are off-limits because of the fox tapeworm"

Surprisingly, this widespread myth is largely unfounded. The risk of fox tapeworm infection from forest berries is extremely low. This myth has thus kept many people from a valuable food source.

The facts:

• Fox tapeworm eggs are mainly transmitted through fox feces
• The likelihood of infection from berries is minimal
• The risk is even higher in gardens than in the forest
• Normal hygiene measures are sufficient protection

What you should really pay attention to:

• Correct identification of the berry type
• Avoidance of low-lying, dirty fruits
• Thorough washing if possible
• Learn to recognize and avoid poisonous berries

12. "Your own urine is a good water source in an emergency"

Yes, Bear Grylls showed it – but no, it’s not a good idea. Urine contains waste products and salts that can worsen your dehydration. Better look for real water sources or collect rainwater. Drinking urine is counterproductive in almost all situations.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Urine contains concentrated waste products
• Salt content increases dehydration
• The kidneys are additionally stressed
• Bacteria can multiply
• The body has to expend more energy

Better alternatives for water collection:

• Catch rainwater
• Collect dew
• Identify water-rich plants
• Use condensation (solar still)
• Melt snow and ice (don’t eat!)

13. "Eating snow is a good alternative to water"

Eating snow cools your body from the inside and costs valuable energy to melt. If you want to use snow as a water source, melt it first and then drink it.

The risks:

• Snow cools the body from the inside
• Melting uses valuable body energy
• The cold can cause injuries in mouth and throat
• Contaminated snow can contain pathogens
• The water content is lower than expected

Proper handling of snow:

• Always melt first
• Heat if possible
• Choose clean snow
• Consider as a last option
• Consume small amounts over a longer period

Conclusion: Preparation beats every survival myth

The most important thing for surviving in the wild is to keep a cool head and set the right priorities: shelter from the elements, water, and then everything else. And even more important: The best survival strategy is good preparation. Learn the basics, pack the right gear, and always let someone know your plans.

Remember: The best survivors aren’t the ones who leap spectacularly through the jungle, but those who avoid dangerous situations through good preparation from the start. With that in mind: Stay safe out there!

In the wilderness, every decision counts! Discover the best survival tips for your next Adventure in our other articles – whether in winter or warm weather!

Bushcraft vs. Survival: The ultimate comparison
Making water drinkable: Your guide to safe water treatment
First aid kit for hiking: Your guide to more safety on the trail
Prevent blisters while hiking: The best tips and tricks