What to Do and Not to Do When Lost in the Wilderness

While you may be reveling in the astonishing wonder of landscapes, forests, or wild animals in their natural habitats, you may find yourself lost or stranded unexpectedly. The wilderness can be a very dangerous place and you could find yourself in very serious trouble indeed if you do not have the necessary survival skills. Here’s how you can protect yourself in a very hostile environment.

Stay Calm

It can be a dreadful feeling to discover that you are lost or stranded in an unfamiliar place and are perhaps all alone. It is very important not to panic in this condition because when you are upset and lose your calm, it interferes with rational thinking and decision-making which are your best assets. Even though you may feel fear, anger or despair, try to remain calm by taking a deep breath so that you can rationally evaluate all available options.

Try To Find Out Where You Are 

Unless you can establish where you are, it can be difficult to extricate yourself either by moving somewhere or by trying to communicate to rescuers. Try to look out for geographical formations like mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, etc. so that you get an idea of where you are. If you can’t figure out in which direction to move, it is better that you stay put unless there are some immediate threats like wild animals, forest fires, flash floods, etc. It can be very easy to get more lost if you move around aimlessly. If you are staying at one of the plush Tadoba national park resorts, you can ask the manager for a map of the area that will tell you the lay of the land.

Find Access to Drinking Water 

Water is critical to your survival; even though it is possible to stay alive without water for about three days, it is quite likely that you would be in a very bad shape by the end of the second day. Try to locate a spring or a running stream; failing which, you have no option but to drink sparingly from pools and lakes. You can collect dew from leaves and grasses early in the morning using a leaf or a rag, but getting sufficient quantity could be an issue. Don’t try to eat snow as you will waste valuable body heat.

Evaluate Your Resources

See what you have on your person or in your kit that can make survival easier. Stuff like matches, a lighter, a knife, clothing, insect repellants and medicines, a water bottle, a compass, etc. can be extremely useful. See if you can fashion some tools that will allow you to put together a shelter, light a fire, hunt for food, etc.

Conclusion 

With the limited resources that you may have, your priorities should be finding or fabricating a shelter that will protect you from the elements and keep you safe from prowling predators. Being able to light a fire can be crucial to your survival as then you can get warm, boil water, and even cook food.