With warming weather approaching, many people are striking out and exploring the outdoors. From nature hikes to camping trips, there are many family vacations and getaways that teach everyone about local flora and fauna. North America offers thousands of acres of natural preserves just waiting to be discovered. However, there are several common outdoor myths that plague explorers’ minds, making it possibly dangerous to follow them exclusively.
These outdoor myths need to be explained to both old and young explorers. Understanding nature, and its real scientific background, keeps people safe and enjoying the outdoors.
MYTH: Find food immediately if lost.
TRUTH: When people take a short hike, they are not concerned about survival until they get lost. One of the most popular outdoor myths is finding food as soon as possible. In fact, this is one of the worst choices people can make. It’s critical to find water and shelter first. The human body can withstand more days without food compared to no water. Aside from hydration, people also need to stay warm to avoid hypothermia. Low body temperature kills faster than lack of food.
MYTH: Moss always grows on the north side.
TRUTH: As a photosynthesizing plant, moss doesn’t have a directional indicator for a northerly position. In fact, moss grows anywhere it has an opportunity. A region must be shady and moist for moss to grow. This outdoor myth may have come about because northerly regions are often shaded, allowing for moss growth. If people are trying to find true north by moss location, they will be surely lost even further. Spring for a simple compass for directional needs, especially if a nature hike is on the schedule.
MYTH: Ticks bury their entire head in the skin.
TRUTH: When a dog, cat or loved one has a tick in their skin, the removal process is not pleasant. Because of its small size, many people believe that the entire head is under the skin. Upon closer look, however, it’s simply the mouthparts entering the skin. Find good tweezers to grasp the tick’s head and pull. There is no need to burn the tick, possibly encouraging it to burrow deeper for self-preservation.
Images via Thomas Euler, John Tann
