Here’s why eating wild plants and wildlife is generally a bad idea in a survival situation, even if you think they’re edible:
Misidentification:
- Look-alikes: Many poisonous plants closely resemble edible ones. Unless you have extensive knowledge of wild plants in the specific area, there’s a high risk of mistaking a toxic look-alike for a safe option.
- Animal Confusion: Telling edible wildlife from dangerous look-alikes can be even trickier. Mistaking a poisonous mushroom or a venomous snake for safe food could be fatal.
Hidden Dangers:
- Toxins: Even if a plant is technically edible, it may have parts that are toxic. Knowing which parts are safe to consume and how to prepare them properly is crucial, and mistakes can be serious.
- Contamination: Wild plants and animals can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Improper handling or inadequate cooking can lead to foodborne illness, which can be debilitating in a survival situation.
Nutritional Issues:
- Incomplete Nutrition: Most wild plants or animals won’t provide all the essential nutrients your body needs to survive for long periods. You might stave off hunger, but risk malnutrition.
- Rabbit Starvation: Eating lean meat alone, like rabbit or small birds, provides protein but lacks sufficient fats and carbohydrates. This can lead to a condition called “rabbit starvation,” which is ultimately fatal.
Better Alternatives:
- Focus on what you can identify for sure: Learn a few easily identifiable wild edibles in your region as a backup, but prioritize finding reliable sources of food like berries or nuts.
- Signal for help: Conserving energy is key in survival. Focus on attracting rescuers instead of expending energy searching for and preparing potentially risky food sources.
Remember, the risks of consuming wild plants and animals far outweigh the benefits in most wilderness survival situations. There are safer and more reliable ways to use your energy to improve your chances of rescue.