Any person who has spent any amount of time in what I call “serious wilderness” will be acutely aware of the fact that you are completely isolated. And I mean, completely isolated.
I have driven on roads in Africa that are so isolated that if you have an accident or a breakdown, it could take hours or even days before someone comes by. You have no mobile signal and cannot call anyone. You are completely on your own.
Now, how does this relate to Bear Grylls? Bear is an interesting, highly capable guy who presents a thoroughly enjoyable show. As we contemplate wilderness survival scenarios, some of what Bear Grylls teaches us could be of value.
But there is one very important thing that Bear seems to miss completely. And that is that a single stupid mistake could cost you your life in a truly isolated wilderness.
When looking at animals, you quickly realize that they are “risk averse.” And for good reason. The stupid ones who take silly risks have mostly died out long ago during evolution.
I have quite a few animals on my farm. I can tell you that the animals that usually stick their heads into holes or small gaps, like to jump over fences or venture too close to snakes, are the animals that don’t survive long. Jumpers typically break something or tear muscles, and where I live, that gets you eaten. I don’t have veterinarians close by, and the cost of getting a vet out to my place almost exceeds the value of the animal.
Related: What Livestock My Grandparents Raised During the Great Depression
So, let’s get back to Bear Grylls. The man is an excellent showman and also an excellent survivalist. But here are some examples of things he does that could get you killed.
Lack of Emphasis on Preparation
Bear’s idea is to set off into the wilderness with only a cameraman and a backup team and then make it look like he is unprepared.
I would suggest you take a lot of stuff when you set off into the wilderness for a long period, maybe even permanently. Knives, ropes, cords, tarps, axe, gun, flint-and-steel, the whole nine yards.
One evening spent wet and shivering could set you up for pneumonia and death. Don’t be that guy.
Risk-Taking Behavior
Bear is reckless. And he has to be because otherwise, most people would not watch the show. In a post-SHTF world, living on the edge, acting in the moment, and just doing all these “extreme adventure” types of behavior will get you injured and lead to death.
Survival depends on being able to take risks when absolutely no other option is available. Seeing that you are surviving and not fleeing the Mad Max Army, I suggest you plan every step, think about every route, and never do stupid things just for fun.
Jumping Into Unknown Water
I have met personally a guy who dove into shallow water and is spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair due to a severe spinal injury. I know a lady who lost a son who jumped off a cliff and never surfaced again; the suspicion is that he may have snagged onto vegetation and then got carried off by underwater currents.
So unless the mafia is coming after you and the hitman has you in the sights of his Glock, you don’t jump into water you are unfamiliar with, regarding depth, currents, etc.
Demonstrating Unsafe Climbing Techniques
Bear thinks he is Tazan or Alex Honnold. You should not make the same mistake. Also, climbers know this; it’s much easier going up than coming down.
So the warning here is that if you think you can make it to the top, only to realize that you cannot, the chances of coming down safely are not in your favor.
Ask anyone who is involved in rock climbing. In many instances, you cannot come down the same slope you went up. You have been warned.
Consuming Potentially Toxic Plants
I’m not saying you shouldn’t pick an apple and eat it, but trying out a berry or root that you’re only half sure about can be dangerous. There are far more toxic plants than edible ones, so unless you’re 100% certain, it’s better not to take the risk.
You can’t go wrong with a rabbit you’ve trapped, but misidentifying a berry could have serious consequences. If you want to be confident in what you’re foraging, The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods is an invaluable resource. It can help ensure that what you’re eating is truly safe.
Building Shelters in Precarious Locations
Sleeping on the edge of a cliff, in a ravine, high up on rocks, or high up in a tree could seem like a good idea. But avoid as far as possible. You don’t have baboon-like dexterity and tree-climbing skills.
The odds of falling to your death are greater than being caught by a Lion or getting washed away in a flash flood. Once again, there are circumstances under which you will need to sleep up in a tree, but they will be rare.
Keep in mind that Bear is a trained soldier who is in peak physical and mental condition. Unless you have the same physical skill set, I suggest you take it easy. Real easy.
Handling Wildlife Without Caution
One mistake with the wrong animal, and you will be a corpse. It’s as simple as that. Steve Irwin learned an expensive lesson.
I have regular rabies shots after I tried to intervene in a fight between a dog I owned and a fox. The fox bit me, which made me realize that anything can bite you at any time, including animals that carry rabies.
Just avoid animals, snakes, bugs, whatever. It’s not worth the risk.
Drinking His Urine
I am not saying you should never drink your urine. I am saying that it should be an absolute last resort.
The issue with toxins building up in your body is that it diminishes your mental capacity and can lead to hallucinations. If drinking your own urine can keep you alive another day, then consider it, but try to avoid it at all costs.
The last thing you want to do is wander around in the wilderness, poisoned, delusional, and with impaired decision-making abilities.
You will notice, and this ties in with my initial comments, that almost everything I mention springs forth from risk-taking behavior. Now, animals take risks, but only ever as a lost resort.
One rule, for example, you see animals live by is that you only fight as an absolute last resort and then try to ensure it’s not a fair fight. This is because fighting for fun can lead to deadly injuries.
The same principle should apply to all risk-taking behavior. You need to be able to take risks, but in the wild, it’s not the daring and reckless who survive but the prudent and wise. Those who know to avoid risks unless it’s a last resort.
If you’re serious about thriving in the wild for the long haul, Nicole Apelian’s Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide is an essential resource. In 2015, Nicole participated in the History Channel’s TV show Alone, where she survived 57 days on Vancouver Island with little more than a knife and her extensive knowledge of the land.
Dr. Apelian was truly alone—no crew, no gear beyond what fit in her backpack—surviving by foraging wild plants that served as both food and medicine. Her guide is packed with the same practical advice and in-depth knowledge that helped her thrive in one of the most challenging environments. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about ensuring you live to tell the tale.
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