When it comes to our survival, we often think about what we will have to eat for food. Although water is much more important to our survival in the great outdoors, we often allow our minds to wander to edible meat when we think about pangs of hunger. Mammals can provide nourishment for humans stranded in the wild, but they may not be our best option for food in a survival situation.
Although Americans typically view mammals to be one of the tastiest foods in the wild, there are numerous drawbacks and disadvantages to hunting mammals for survival in an emergency.
Nearly all mammals will use their teeth to protect themselves if necessary. The size of the animal indicates the amount of danger it presents, but don’t underestimate any animals. Even a squirrel can inflict a serious wound.
If an animal becomes cornered it will defend itself. If no escape route is available for the mammal, it may show aggression and become dangerous. Mothers, in particular, are capable of becoming extremely aggressive. They want to defend their young and will do nearly anything to protect them.
All mammals are considered edible. The bearded seal and polar bear have dangerous levels of vitamin A in their liver. Beware of the poisonous glands on the platypus. This mammal is native to Australia and Tasmania.
Large mammals such as caribou or elk may seem so tempting to the taste buds, but such animals are difficult to trap for food. Smaller mammals are often easier to trap or snare. Preparing small mammals is typically easier than larger animals. If you simply feel you must find a mammal for food to survive, the smaller animals are more abundant.
Another drawback is that mammals will usually detect the traps set for them in the wilderness. This fact makes the inexperienced hunter less likely to find the nourishment they need to survive. Other forms of food may be available with less effort.
You will want to consider options that are abundant in your environment. Are there birds and fish in the area for you to eat? Maybe a healthy handful or two of ants could provide adequate protein and nourishment without the danger. Open your mind to all options that are available to you.
Insects, for instance, don’t sound as tasty as a deer, but they can provide 65 to 80% protein. This is remarkable when compared to the mere 20% of protein found in beef.
Despite what we would typically think of as preferable, meat is not always completely necessary for survival. Consider a vegetarian diet. Numerous edible plants are excellent sources of nutrition for the survivor.
Although mammals initially appear to be the most tasty option, there are numerous drawbacks to this choice of food for survival. Always keep your goal of survival in mind. Open your mind up to other cuisine if it is readily available and nourishing without the dangers associated with hunting mammals. Fish, insects, and edible plants are other ways to find nourishment for energy during an emergency.
