they are usually headed for water. But note that these are subtle indicators
and following them doesn’t guarantee you’ll find a source.
Bear in mind too that most wild creatures urinate and defecate in the
same place they drink. So once you’ve located a primary source of water,
move at least a couple hundred yards from the spot where the game trail
meets the water, preferably upstream. Giardia cysts tend to sit closer to the
surface of a lake, so if you can weigh a vessel down and send it to the lower
depths you have a better chance of retrieving uncontaminated water. A
weighted jar or can with a rope tied to it works well. Once you’re sure the
vessel is full of lowerlevel water, pull it up quickly to minimize the amount
of surface water that gets in.
Track Insects: If you see insects (especially bees or ants) going into a hole
in a tree, there may be water in the hole. Plastic tubing can be used to
siphon the water, or a cloth can be stuffed in the hole to absorb it. The
presence of swarming insects also indicates that water is near. Bees are
never more than a few miles from a water source, although they have
irregular watering times.
Use Ice, Snow, and Slush: If you find yourself trying to stay alive in a part
of the world or during a season of the year when ice, snow, and slush are
present, you have a good source of water at your fingertips, particularly
if you are able to make fire. As with many aspects of survival strategy,
however, opinions about eating ice, snow, and slush are subject to debate;
mine don’t jibe with the prevailing sentiment.
Many instructors will tell you that you should avoid eating snow,
largely because it will reduce the temperature of your body, which will then
consume precious energy during warming. This is true, but given the vital
role that water plays in survival, I believe the opposite. Eating snow and
ice will cool your body down and may slightly abrade the inside of your
mouth. But if it’s the morning and you’re working hard to assure other
aspects of your survival, eating snow can help to maintain an optimal body
temperature. And the fact is, you need that liquid.
You have to be careful about eating ice and snow later in the day,
though, when you’re tired and the air is cooling off. Eating snow when
your defenses are down can do you more harm than good. This applies
(^76) | Survive!