10 survival myths that might get you killed

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 totally 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.

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 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.