Survivormans Secrets Of Survival: Food

"Survivorman's Secrets of Survival" has been airing on the Science channel since 9/6. It is a compilation of Les Stroud's previous shows. Each episode deals with one topic such as best methods for making a fire, purifying water, making a shelter, MacGyverisms, etc. I will try to do a blog entry on each but sometimes they're hard to catch. I really wish they provided an overview at the end of each show.

Humans can go a lot longer without food than we think. As always remember the rule of 3s-- 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Les' top 5 methods for obtaining food are listed below with number 1 being the most desirable method:

5. Creepy Crawlies- While these have a high yuck factor, creepy crawlies can help you stay alive. Earthworms are a high source of protein. Grasshopper, locust, termites and scorpions (don't eat the stinger) are also edible. The major disadvantage of eating insects is that it takes a lot of them since they're so small.

4. Reptiles and Amphibians- If turtles, frogs and snakes are available they can also be a good source of food. Do not eat the heads of snakes (since that's where the poison pouches are in poisonous snakes).

3. Wild Edibles- The key to eating plants is finding them in season. Major word of warning though, you have to be absolutely certain that you know what the plant is before eating it. The wrong plant can kill you QUICK. Thistle, kelp, lemon grass, cattails, blueberries, rose hips, dandelions etc are all edible. Never eat wild mushrooms. If something tastes bitter, stay away.

2. Meat- Hunting using a lot of calories that you may not have to spare. Its better to set snare or traps for small animals. If you eat nothing but rabbit though, you will get protein poisoning since rabbits have no fat. Some animals (such as eagles or bear) may leave partially eaten food after they're done. It is gross to think about but some meat may be obtained in this way.

1. Fish- Fishing is the number 1 preferred method. The problem is of course catching them. Either create a net from the resources available (netting or a shirt) or sharpen a spear.

A few good sources of information on collecting food: :