10 survival myths that might get you killed

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With months of good weather ahead, it’s an excellent time to set out on an adventure. But if you run into trouble, you’ll want to make sure you know what to do.

Sure, you have to look out for ticks and mosquitoes, but there’s something about the idea of being able to survive in the wilderness that’s thrilling. We glorify it with TV shows like “Survivor” and “Man vs. Wild.”

But survival in the harsh conditions of nature is no simple affair, and most lessons can’t be learned from television. In fact, some of the “survival advice” that we’ve picked up over the years is wrong, often dangerously so.

Here are some myths you don’t want to rely on if a short jaunt outdoors turns disastrous.

Myth: You can suck the venom out of a snakebite.

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Fact: If a bite delivers venom, it’ll immediately enter the bloodstream. Putting your mouth on the bite will deliver extra bacteria to the wound and may simply get venom into your mouth and esophagus. If someone gets bitten, try to keep the person’s heart rate low and hold the affected limb below heart level while getting to a hospital.

Myth: Always play dead when you are attacked by a bear.

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Fact: If you are out in the woods and you see a bear, the general advice is to quietly back away. If it’s in your yard or around your campsite, make yourself large and loud, which hopefully will scare it off.

But in the case of an actual attack, your reaction strategy should depend on the bear and on the type of attack. Never play dead if a black bear attacks — always fight back.

In most cases, a brown or grizzly bear attacks to defend itself or its cubs. At these times it will warn you off by making noise and pretending to charge. Back away from a defensive attack slowly. If the bear makes contact, play dead lying on your stomach with your hands over your neck. But in the rare case of a predatory attack, which comes with no warning (or if the bear seems to be stalking you), fight for your life.

Myth: You need to find a food supply immediately if you are lost in the wilderness.

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Fact: Not even close. You can survive up to six weeks without food. The exact amount of time might vary, depending on starting point and other health issues, but water and shelter from the elements are far more important.

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