If you think the deadliest wild animal is a grizzly bear, a wolf, or a cougar, you're wrong. Each year, deer kill more humans than any other animal in North America. Deer range almost everywhere in North America, except for northern Canada and Alaska, and parts of Utah. They don't attack humans as prey; they cause car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 1.5 million car-deer accidents each year, and that number is rising. Those accidents kill about 150 people each year, although the number was higher in 2008 and the NHTSA expects it to be still higher in 2009. They cost at least $1.1 billion in property damage; in 1990, the cost was estimated to be over $100 million in Wisconsin alone, and Wisconsin isn't in the top ten states for deer accidents.

Most deer-car accidents occur between October and December, which partly coincides with deer hunting season. It's not hunting that causes the accidents, though; those three months are deer mating season. During the rest of the year, groups of deer have a fairly small home territory, and stay within it. In mating season, or "rut," deer head out to find mates, and are more likely to stray onto roads.

So, what does that have to do with wilderness adventures? If you've been in the back country in the fall, you'll probably be driving home. And you'll probably see deer crossing signs on your route. Some drivers ignore them; a smart driver slows down, especially in the evening, and watches for deer. If you see one deer cross the road, expect more to follow and slow down accordingly. Insurance companies advise using your brights, and warn that deer whistles don't work. Don't swerve if a collision is unavoidable; you may hit another vehicle or a tree and cause more damage.

During the fall, wear a bright jacket to avoid becoming a hunter's target. Good sturdy boots are also a must, and a bright flashlight of your own will help keep deer from your path. And drive carefully when heading home!

Many people think of the cartoon "Bullwinkle" when they think of a moose. Hikers in the northern U.S. and Canada who've actually encountered moose have an entirely different view. If you're hiking where they both live, you're much more likely to be attacked by a moose than a bear.

Moose aren't shy, like deer. They're territorial and aggressive, and their size - up to 6 ½ feet at the shoulder - and weight - as much as 1500 pounds - make them extremely dangerous. They have sharp hooves and impressive antlers. The two likeliest times of year for moose encounters are spring, when females have calves, and fall, when bull moose are looking for mates.

Never get between a female moose and her calf. If you come upon them on the trail, back up slowly and wait for them to move on; generally, they will. If a mother and calf wander into your camp, again, try to back away. Moose show aggression in several ways. They may toss or swing their heads, stamp the ground, lay their ears back, or actually charge you. Some of these charges are bluffs, and the moose will veer away at the last moment. But since most of us can't read their minds, you need to take a charge seriously, and try to get behind a large boulder. The moose will then, hopefully, decide you're not a threat.

In the fall, bull moose are just as deadly as females in the spring. Anything that moves is a potential rival. They've even charged locomotives, so if they charge you, don't assume they'll back off. If you can't get away, roll yourself into a ball, cover your head, and don't try to get up. You'll probably get kicked, but if you don't move at all until the moose has left the area, you'll survive. A broken rib is better than a smashed skull. If you have time, swing your backpack over your head to protect it. Pull your hiking boots up to protect your groin if possible.

Remember that you're in their territory, show them respect, and you'll survive a moose encounter.

"Spelunking" refers to the outdoor activity of exploring caves and caverns, either for fun or research. In the 2003 adventure called The Core, however, a team of specialists take spelunking to the ultimate level by drilling down to the very center of the Earth.

A secret government experiment has caused the planet's molten core to stop its natural rotation, which affects the Earth's electromagnetic field. Without this protective energy layer, people with pacemakers start dropping dead, birds fly off-course and the Sun's rays start burning people and buildings to a crisp.

The quickest way to get the core moving again is by sending a submersible ship through the layers of rock and molten lava and then detonating a series of nuclear warheads. In order to survive the heat, Dr. Ed "Brazz" Brazzleton (*Delroy Lindo*) creates a substance that he calls "unobtanium," which resists extreme temperatures and pressure. The good doctor also has a laser drill capable of drilling through the toughest rock.

In a ship outfitted with Dr. Brazzleton's inventions, the team, led by Commander Robert Iverson (*Bruce Greenwood*), drills through the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. As the first humans to go deep below the surface of the Earth, they see amazing things, such as huge diamonds formed from the tremendous heat and pressure. The deeper they drill, however, the greater the danger becomes.

An entertaining scientific fantasy, The Core takes cave exploration to new depths. It also shows what could theoretically happen if the Earth's electromagnetic field did start to erode. In one early scene, for instance, Major Rebecca Childs (*Hilary Swank*) has to find a safe place to land a space shuttle when magnetic interference wipes out her guidance system.

The Core does get a little grisly at times, showing in graphic detail what happens when unfiltered solar radiation hits the Earth. Even the best sunscreens can't help you when nothing stands between your face and the rays of the Sun.

A fun, but sometimes unbelievable adventure, The Core is one way to heat up a night of movie watching at home.

If you think earthquakes only happen in California, think again. It's true that most earthquakes happen west of the Rockies, and California has had plenty, but Alaska has had the most in recent history. But looking farther back, the most earthquakes have occurred in the central U.S., and the worst earthquake in U.S. history was along the New Madrid fault in Missouri over three months in 1811-1812. The effects were felt over 2 million square miles, and three quakes registered over an 8 on the Richter scale.

While geologists are working towards it, they still can't predict when or where an earthquake will strike. They do know that if a quake has hit an area in the past, it will happen again. So, it's possible that you'll encounter an earthquake when you're out hiking, camping, boating, or even skiing.

The first warning you'll have is a feeling of rolling ground, then the real shaking starts. Find the nearest open space, something treeless and not downhill from a rocky slope, and stay there. Most injuries outdoors, just like indoors, come from falling debris and in your case, that means trees, rocks, and even snow. Earthquakes can trigger some phenomenal avalanches. Curl up into a fetal position to make yourself a smaller target.

There will be aftershocks, so stay put. If you're hiking along the coast, though, know earthquakes often trigger tsunamis, so move inland and up, then find open space. When the movement stops, check yourself and the rest of your party for injuries, and treat what you can with your first aid kit.

Wear sturdy but comfortable boots like these new Ledge boots from Timberland. Sick of your old pack? This Ultimatum Gear backpack from Nike is brand new, and along with pockets for everything, it has Max Air straps to take the weight off your shoulders. This waterproof watch from Freestyle has an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.

Know the history of the area you're hiking, travel prepared, and you can survive even an earthquake in the backcountry.

Quicksand and sinkholes. Many hikers and climbers think those are movie props, and while the way they're used in movies doesn't match reality, they are out there, and you need to be prepared for them.

You can find quicksand, liquified soil or sand, nearly anywhere that water meets sand, including ponds, marshes, sloughs, beaches and river deltas. It's found in places as diverse as New Jersey and North Carolina, but it's most common in Florida. You could encounter it in any marshy area after a heavy rain.

Natural sinkholes are found in karst, land where the bedrock is limestone, salt beds, or any rock easily dissolved by water. Again, most are in Florida, though you'll also find them in Texas, Kentucky, Missouri or anywhere limestone lies beneath the soil. They can appear very suddenly; Lake Jackson in Florida took only a few days to completely disappear into a sinkhole in 1999. The beautiful "blue hole" off the coast of Belize is an underwater sinkhole.

Sinkholes can also be caused by people. They're common in areas with underground mining, whether of coal, like that in Pennsylvania, or of gold, as in parts of Nevada. When the burden of soil and vegetation becomes too heavy over the tunnels, it caves in and becomes a sinkhole.

Your best approach is to avoid them. Use a walking stick or trekking poles to test the ground ahead of you in swampy areas. If it slides down, you just found quicksand. If you're unfortunate enough to fall in, don't panic; you'll float on quicksand. Relax, lie back, and let your trekking partners pull you out, either with the poles or climbing rope carried in a rope pack.

If you're caving, you should already have a helmet and a headlamp. The danger from sinkholes is both below you and above you; you could fall in, or the rock above you could collapse. Test the ground ahead of you and the rock above you. If your pole can go in, it's time for you to get out.

Pay attention and watch where you walk, and you'll survive quicksand and sinkholes!

Summer hiking in mountain ranges is often threatened by afternoon rain. Those showers can become thunderstorms with dangerous lightning. Whether you're on a day hike or a back-packing camping trip, be prepared to survive thunderstorms.

Although the odds of being struck by lightning aren't high, it's still a possibility. Stay aware of the weather around you. If clouds start to build up, study them. Are they just rain clouds, or are they turning into tall black storm clouds that bring thunder and lighting along with rain? If those clouds are moving in your direction, find a shelter. And remember, lightning can strike well outside the area of rain.

Tents aren't the best shelters in a thunderstorm. If your camp is in an open area, your tent is probably the highest structure, and the most likely to be hit by lightning. If your tent is under trees, you're safer, but still at risk both from lightning hitting the trees around you and from ground currents. If you're in your tent, don't lie down; instead, be a small target: pull your knees up to your chest, put your head down, and wrap your arms around your head.

If you're hiking, look for the lowest area you can before the storm arrives. Consider building a shelter of brush at the base of a rock face, and covering it with a tarp. No time to make a shelter? Drop your pack, and make yourself a small target.

Pack for rain as well. A flashlight and a battery-operated radio are musts; also, carry a lightweight tarp or rain cloth. Pack a light-weight rain jacket with a hood, and wear lightweight boots. Carry a first aid kit too, in case someone is injured. If someone in your group is actually struck by lightning, their heart may stop; use CPR to get their heart and lungs working again, and get them to a medical facility as soon as possible. Your first aid kit should have burn ointment and bandages if there are burns as well.

If the forecast is for severe thunderstorms, then put off your hike, or stay with your car. FEMA's general rule for safety is that 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder, it's safe to leave your shelter and head on, or head home.

(Source: http://fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index.shtm )

In many ways, "Gilligan's Island" was the prototype for the popular reality show "Survivor." During this now-classic 1960's sitcom, seven people from different backgrounds were stranded together on an island during a terrible storm and, like the reality show, they had to work together in order to survive.

After spending 14 years in almost total seclusion before finally making it back home, however, some things just didn't add up:

Practically every week, Gilligan messed up an opportunity for the castaways to leave the island for good. After about a dozen foul-ups, in real life, one of his shipmates would probably tied up Gilligan in his sleep so he couldn't cause more mischief.

Bob Denver, who played the title role in the series, made an appearance in the 1987 movie "Back to the Beach." In character as Gilligan, Denver lamented the fact that he spent years on an island with a guy who could make a nuclear reactor out of two coconut shells and a piece of string, but he couldn't fix a two-foot hole in a boat.

Though Skipper *Jonas Grumby*'s first love was his boat, the Minnow, Gilligan and Professor Roy Hinkley were young, single guys. How come, in 14 years, neither one of them married Ginger Grant or Mary Ann Summers?

Despite the fact that most of the Minnow's passengers overpacked for a "three-hour tour", after 14 years of salt-water washings, even the sturdiest fabrics are going to fade and fall apart. When they were finally rescued, though, Gilligan and the Skipper were wearing fresh-looking clothes.

What exactly did the castaways use for toilet paper, toothpaste and other hygiene products?

Despite the lack of logic, "Gilligan's Island" remains one of the funniest outdoor television shows ever made. Even 45 years after its debut, it still is fun to lace up a pair of deck shoes and watch one of the episodes on satellite.

If you're hiking in a forest, whether flatland or mountainous, you may encounter a black bear. An estimated 300,000 of them inhabit 41 of the lower 48 states, from coast to coast. To survive an encounter with a black bear, hike with a group and be prepared. Wear medium hiking boots and carry a backpack with a quick-access pocket on the hip belt. Carry bear spray there. Bear spray contains capsaicin, but it's a different concentration than spray for people. Make sure it specifies it's for bears.

"Black" bears can be black, cinnamon, golden, and in some parts of British Columbia, even white. These bears are generally shy, and prefer to avoid contact. If you see a bear, and it hasn't seen you, back away slowly. Watch the bear but don't make eye contact. When you're out of sight, wait until you hear it move away or find a route around it. Bears have very poor eyesight, so if it sees you, wave your arms slowly, and talk in a calm voice to let it know you're human. Move slowly upwind away from the bear. Never walk up to a bear, and never try to feed it.

In some situations, a bear may see you as a threat. If it's a mother with first year cubs, she'll start a defensive attack. She'll warn you by swatting the ground or chuffiing, moaning, and snapping her teeth. If she approaches you, stand still. She'll usually stop, and then you can back away and pull out your bear spray. If she comes at you again, use the spray when she's within 15 feet, and aim for the face. You'll also be perceived as a threat if a bear is defending a kill. Watch for ravens and other scavengers that may indicate a kill site, and avoid it.

If the bear attacks defensively, play dead, and the bear should leave. If it attacks you aggressively, fight for your life with all your might. Yell, use a knife, fists, or sticks and rocks, and aim for the nose and eyes. As soon as you can get away, head for medical help. If you're far from help, first treat any bleeding wounds with your first aid kit.

Use good bear sense, and survive for your next hike.

(Sources: http://www.wcs.org/globalconservation/northamerica/adirondacks-test/adirondackbear/46902170, http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/problem_wildlife/bbear_encounters.html, http://www.mountainnature.com/Wildlife/Bears/BearEncounters.htm, http://ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/Blackbears1.htm )

With the season well into spring, it's time to think about summer survival. A major danger in hot summer weather is heatstroke. Left untreated, it can be deadly.

Heatstroke usually begins with heat cramps. Heat cramps have symptoms that include excessive sweating, thirst, exhaustion and muscle cramps. It's easily treated by moving to a cooler spot, drinking fluids containing electrolytes, like most sports drinks and resting. Avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol. If you don't treat cramps, you'll get heat exhaustion. Symptoms include nausea, headache, dizziness, cool moist skin and dark urine. Treat it the same way you treat heat cramps.

If you don't treat heat exhaustion, you'll get heatstroke. Your body temperature will climb to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you'll stop sweating and you may experience hyperventilation and a rapid pulse. As your brain heats up, you could have seizures, pass out, hallucinate, or become confused. Your over-heated muscles, cramping in the early stages, can become either stiff or limp. Shock is a frequent complication of heatstroke.

Since heatstroke can be caused by extreme ambient temperatures, extreme physical activity, or both, it's not uncommon in people who are hiking or rock climbing, especially in the desert southwest. Avoid it by taking a few simple precautions.

First, don't wear too much clothing. Stick to loose fitting shorts or lightweight pants like these, that provide protection from the sun and can convert to shorts in camp. Lightweight loose polo shirts or a buttoned cotton shirt that provides ventilation will help you stay cooler. Stick with cotton socks that can wick moisture from your feet, and your choice of light hiking boots, and your feet will stay cool. Use sunscreen, and apply it often through the day to all exposed skin.Wear a lightweight hat to protect your head and eyes from the sun.

Try a backpack like this one. The straps vent air away from your body, it carries two 32 ounce water bottles, and has a hydration sleeve for a 3L bladder. Make sure you drink often. Fill a portable cooler cube with sports drinks for anyone who starts feeling heat cramps. Make sure your camp has a shady area and is near a water source, and make sure you have a water filter.

Pay attention to your body to survive. If you feel heat cramps, avoid heatstroke by finding a cool shady place to rest and drink.

(Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025,http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-exhaustion/DS01046 http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke , http://firstaid.webmd.com/heat-exhaustion-and-heat-stroke-treatment )

For many of us, the word "Niagara" is synonymous with "big". You've got Niagara Falls, of course, but the mountain climbers among us will be more impressed with Niagara Peak. It might not be the highest point in the country, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

This 13er (13,786 feet, to be exact) is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, not far from several other ambitious summits. The triangular shape of Niagara Peak combined with the beautiful view climbers enjoy at the top make it a pleasurable climb as well as technical.

Both the approach and the face of Niagara Peak are rocky and pitted, making for slow climbing if you aren't used to the terrain. A pair of sturdy hiking boots with high ankles for extra support and a set of thick gloves are absolutely essential for this climb.

Additionally, make sure you check the weather before you attempt to climb Niagara Peak. The weather here is unpredictable, offering snowfall and rain on the unlikeliest of days. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of a treacherous mountain with thunder ringing in your ears.

The great thing about climbing Niagara Peak, however, is that you're within close proximity of several other summits. For example, many expert climbers traverse both Niagara Peak and Jones Mountain on the same hike. There are also a few unnamed peaks in the vicinity that you might want to try if you're feeling adventurous.

There are two basic approaches to Niagara Peak. The most difficult is to approach via the saddle between Niagara and Jones, which is marked by heavy tundra and often difficult to cross in the early winter. However, you can also approach on the northeast side directly opposite Jones, which offers a sheer face but less brush on the ground to deal with.

In addition to the amazing climb offered at Niagara Peak, there is also some beautiful hiking to be done in this region. Abandoned mines, beautiful woods and a few scattered streams and ponds make for lots of wildlife, and you can easily spend an entire week exploring on foot or horseback.

The experienced wilderness survivor knows the joys of winter camping, like silence and solitude. You already know how to dress; next, is to prepare for a winter storm. A winter storm can come out of nowhere in the mountains. So, let's set up your base camp so it's storm-ready.

Make your camp in a sheltered spot, like the down-wind side of a group of trees. Check them for dead branches and pull down any you find. Trample the base for your tent wearing your snowshoes or skis; make it as level as possible.

Start with an insulating footprint for your tent. The best tents are shaped to shed snow, like a dome tent., and also provide plenty of space. A tent fly can keep your tent walls freezing. Erect the tent on the footprint with the entrance away from the prevailing wind. Build a packed snow wall three to four feet high and a foot away from your tent walls along the back and around the sides to the entrance as a windbreak and for extra insulation.

Place a tarp or space blanket, like the one inside your first aid kit, on the tent floor for more insulation. Keep a brush just outside your tent (or in the vestibule) to knock off any snow on your clothes and boots, and keep it outside your tent. Use warm sleeping pads under a good winter sleeping bag like this one from Sierra Designs that's good to 30 degrees. Sleep in your baselayer top and bottom, and bring your outer clothes inside your sleeping bag to warm up before you put them on. Wear a hat or balaclava for warmth while you sleep as well as when you're outside, and make sure you're breathing outside your sleeping bag to avoid humidity building up.

Use your stove to cook and to melt snow; keep waterbottles upside down. Cook outside your tent; fuel fumes can be deadly. Eat plenty of carbohydrates, and make warm drinks throughout the day to help keep your core warm and to avoid dehydration.

Now that you've set up a storm-sturdy camp, your next big danger is hypothermia.

( Sources: http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml#Winter%20Shelters, http://www.backpacking.net/wintertips.html, http://www.eHow.com/how_2136526_winter_tent_platform.html )

No matter how experienced you are, there's always the risk of slipping and falling when you're in the wilderness. But what if you fall and break your bones? The first thing you need on any outdoor excursion is a first aid kit. This one includes a guide to wilderness and travel medicine, along with some supplies for a broken limb. If you love the wilderness, you should also consider taking a basic first aid class.

Examine the injury to make sure it's a break, not a sprain. You'll need a splint on both sides of a broken leg; if you have a tent, you can use the poles. If not, look for two sturdy long sticks. If you can't find anything, use a bandage wrap from your first aid kit to splint the broken leg to the other leg, and make sure the splint is secure the entire length of the leg. If the fracture is compound (bone breaks through the skin), pull it straight so that the bones align, clean the wound, apply an antibiotic cream, dress and bandage the wound firmly, then splint the leg.

Splint an arm with a rolled up magazine or newspaper, or with shorter poles or sticks. Put the arm in a sling, made from any fabric you have. Whether the break is an arm or leg, give the injured person pain killers from the kit, and make sure you can see fingers or toes so you can tell if the splint is too tight – if the fingers or toes turn red or purple, then it's on too tight. The limb needs circulation.

Step two is to get the injured person to real medical help. If he has a broken arm, he can probably still walk. If it's a leg, and you have two uninjured people, make a litter with the tent fabric or a sleeping bag and two tent poles or two long sticks. If there's only one of you to help, make a travois instead, and keep the leg elevated at the high end of the travois. Keep the injured person warm to avoid shock.

Stay calm, know what to do, and you can survive a fracture in the wilderness.

(Sources: http://www.firstaidweb.com/broken_bone.html , http://life.familyeducation.com/emergency/first-aid/48245.html , http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-fractures-basic-information )

One of the most important things to take with you into the wild, if not the most important, is water. You can survive for days or even weeks without food. Without water, you may not even make it two days.

Make sure you're completely hydrated before you start your trek or ride. Our bodies aren't very good at letting us know when we need water; in fact, by the time you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated, so drink while water is available. If you note symptoms of dehydration, like confusion, weakness and a general slowing, rest in the shade and drink.

Carry a day pack that holds up to 3 liters but be aware that amount won't last you much more than half a day if you're exerting yourself in an arid environment. Consider carrying a hip pack below your backpack for longer trips and plan your trip around water sources, which are usually marked on USGS maps.

If your trek is planned for several days, you won't be able to carry enough water with you. Add things like water purification tablets and a good filter to your pack. Most available hydration packs have PureFlow TM technology, but while that may take care of most "common bacteria and fungi," it won't help with the Giardia and other parasites found in outdoor water supplies. A purification tablet in a liter bottle of water from a stream should take care of those.

If you can't find a stream, look for trees and a dry streambed near them. Carry a collapsible shovel in your pack and dig into the streambed; you'll probably find water less than 12 inches down. No trees? Look for succulents, like prickly pear cactus or agave. A multi-blade knife allows you a variety of tools to cut off pieces of these plants, pull out spines and peel off the skin, so you can suck the moisture from the interior of the plant. Vegetation and berries can provide moisture; dried foods just increase dehydration.

Want to be a survivor? Use these tips to stay hydrated - and alive.

Source:
www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-survive-without-water

There's something inherently honest about a mountain climb, where everything comes down to a battle between your skills and the elements. On the most dangerous peaks, a climber may come home with a great story or they may not come home at all.

That same brutal honesty applies to Granite Mountain, which is the highest point in the state of Montana. A part of the Beartooth Range in the Rockies, this climbing destination contains an area that's named, appropriately enough, Froze-to-Death Plateau.

Rising approximately 12,799 feet into the air, Granite Mountain literally scrapes the ceiling of Montana and is one the most beautiful, yet potentially deadly climbs in America. Some climbing enthusiasts have made the 20-plus-mile roundtrip to the top in a day, but most climbers favor a two-day summit and campout overnight.

Living up to its name, Froze-to-Death Plateau is kind of like the infamous Bermuda Triangle in some ways. Montana's Forestry Service warns climbers that late afternoon storms are pretty common in this area of Granite Mountain, and there's always a chance of snow 12 months out of the year.

The biggest problem with Froze-to-Death Plateau is getting your bearings. The natural rock formations can be deceptive, so make sure you pack a compass and a couple of copies of the United States Geological Survey's Quadrangle Map of Granite Peak. To make sure you actually don't freeze to death, invest in a handheld GPS system like the Oregon 200 by Garmin (it can be a lifesaver when visibility is poor).

Suffice it to say, Granite Mountain is a climb that's suitable only for those who are at the top of their game, both physically and mentally. The Montana Forestry Service requires all climbers to check in at the Beartooth Ranger Station, but they also make no guarantees about evacuating climbers in bad weather.

With the very real chance of hypothermia on Froze-to-Death Plateau, Granite Mountain is one peak that you should never take for granted.

Sources:
http://www.jhmg.com/climbs/beartooth/index.php
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150239/granite-peak.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer/recreation/granitepeak.shtml

One of the most important things to learn if you're going to be trekking in the wilderness is how to create a shelter for yourself. Most survivalists don't carry tents with them on journeys because they are too heavy and sort of defeat the purpose of surviving without any creature comforts.

And as you learned in grade school science, shelter is one of the key human needs for survival.

A survivor knows that he or she can create a shelter with numerous materials, depending on the environment. You would use different things to construct a shelter if you were trekking through the rain forest than if you found yourself in the mountains. While shelter is more important during the winter months, you'll need some type of covering even in milder climes.

First, the goal is not to create the biggest shelter you can construct. If it's cold outside, you're going to want a shelter that is large enough to fit your entire body comfortably, but small enough to restrict the escape of body heat. The shelter should also serve as a morale booster; when you are protected from the elements, you will naturally feel safer in your environment.

In some cases, you might be able to find a natural shelter already created for you. Caves, for example, are an excellent form of shelter because they provide protection on all sides and often have a small mouth that will keep you safe from larger predators.

However, survivors know that there are times when you have to build your own shelter out of materials you collect in the wilderness.

An axe is a handy, lightweight tool to have with you during a survival excursion. You can use it to cut small branches from trees and construct a lean-to using the side of a boulder, tree or other natural formation.

You should also bring with you rope and a light source to make your job easier.

Surviving isn't difficult when you know how to use your surroundings to create a shelter but make sure you explore different methods depending on where you are traveling.