Bear Grylls, the intrepid explorer and survival expert from Man vs. Wild, shares his extraordinary survival insights alongside Tom Gilbert, a researcher from the Natural History Museum of Denmark. They dive into essential strategies for surviving a bear encounter and creatively quenching thirst in the desert, discussing everything from cacti to urine. Tom also reveals his novel DNA-tracking method using leeches to uncover new species. Expect a blend of humor, wilderness wisdom, and unexpected quirks in unconventional settings!
Understanding bear behavior and proper survival tactics is crucial to avoid dangerous encounters while hiking in wilderness areas like Denali National Park.
Innovative research using terrestrial leeches to track animal species demonstrates a unique approach to studying biodiversity through genetic analysis.
Deep dives
Surviving Bear Encounters
To avoid dangerous bear encounters in Denali National Park, it's crucial to understand bear behavior and the best survival tactics. When encountering a grizzly bear, one should make themselves appear larger and make non-threatening noises to signal their presence, rather than turning to flee, as running may trigger the bear's pursuit instinct. Proper awareness involves knowing locations to avoid, such as areas where bears are feeding or near their kills, as well as being cautious in bear-active regions. Avoiding potential bear encounters through knowledge and preparation is essential for ensuring personal safety in the wilderness.
Extracting Water from Cacti
In survival scenarios, extracting water from a cactus, while possible, is more intricate than often portrayed in media. It requires careful preparation, such as removing thorns from the cactus and using a knife to access and extract the moisture inside. While barrel cacti and prickly pears can provide hydration, they are not abundant sources, and alternative options, like looking for green vegetation or following dry riverbeds, should also be considered. These practical skills and strategies are vital for sustaining oneself in the desert environment when traditional water sources are unavailable.
Using Leeches for Biodiversity Research
Researchers have developed an innovative method to track elusive animal species using terrestrial leeches as biological indicators. By collecting leeches that have ingested blood from various animals, scientists can analyze the DNA found within and determine which species are present in an area. This method has proven particularly effective, revealing the presence of rare and previously unidentified animals based on DNA collected months prior. This approach not only highlights the practical use of leeches in biodiversity studies but also emphasizes their remarkable ability to retain genetic material over time.
This week from the archives, all things wilderness survival. Mike and Ian take a trip to Denali National Park in Alaska to learn how to survive a bear attack. And when a listener asks how to quench thirst if they're stranded in the desert, another kind of Bear (Grylls) walks them through it. Plus, how to discover a new species with the help of some bloodsuckers.
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How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.