Eat Bugs To Survive The Wild

In survivalist circles, it is often said that if you ever find yourself lost in the wild and must forage for food, it is safer to eat insects than plants. There are poison plants that look like edible plants and they are abundant in the wild. If you are not very familiar with which wild plant is edible, better not risk it and eat bugs instead.

That is what this Portland Ore. Preschool teacher did when she fell off a cliff and broke her leg while on a hiking trip. She survived in the wild for 4 nights and 3 days eating berries and bugs until she was rescued.

Though there are edible plants that are recognizable in the wild like these 19 Common Edible Plants  listed on the Art of Manliness, if you are not 100% sure the plant you are planning to feast on is really what you think it is, keep away from it.

There are wild plants that can poison you simply by touching them so be very careful. Falling ill while in the wild is dangerous; it significantly lowers your chance of getting out of there alive. It will also be advantageous to know what poisonous plants are common in your area.

What Bugs To Eat In The Wild?

There are hundreds of edible insects to choose from and Girl Meets Bug lists a few of them, from ants to roaches to worms and other many legged delicacies. Take your pick.

Eating bugs in the wild for survival is a pretty straightforward thing: just find them and eat them. However, Hoods Woods offers some very good pointers about feasting on bugs in the wild…

When in doubt about a bug do the insect safety test. And follow these time tested rules.

Always try to cook insects.

Never eat bugs you find dead.

Don’t eat bugs that bite back!

If it smells really bad, don’t eat it!

Bugs are also perfect survival food because they are very high in protein. Insects like grasshoppers have higher protein content than raw beef.

Watch Bear Grylls breakfasting on a bunch of bugs.

When trying to survive when stuck in the wild, you need to keep your energy up and bugs are good sources of that. Wild plants, fruits and berries may be a lot more palatable but in situations where there’s high uncertainty, it’s best to stay alive by sticking to eating bugs.