With the popularity of TV shows such Man vs. Wild and Survivor, everyone thinks they have become expert when it comes to surviving in wilderness. Unfortunately, there are plenty of survival myths propagated on various television series that are dangerously wrong. Here are some myths you don't want to rely on if your next outdoor expedition goes bad…

1. Always play dead when you are attacked by a bear

Fact: Remember the character of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. He tried playing dead when attacked by a grizzly bear. But the effort proved futile and in the end and he was left with no other choice but to fight back. He ultimately survived. In real world too, you might have to resort to your fighting skills. Bears are reclusive creatures, and they generally prefer to steer clear of humans. Announce your presence if you are exploring their habitat by talking loudly, singing, or carry "bear bells".  And if you encounter a bear, don’t run. When you run, the bear thinks you're prey and will continue chasing you, so hold your ground. Remember, you can never outrun a bear. But in the rare case of a predatory attack, which comes with no warning, fight for your life.

2. You can suck the venom out of a snakebite

Fact: If a bite delivers venom, it’ll immediately enter the bloodstream. Cutting and sucking the wound only increase the risk of infection and can cause further tissue damage. It also carries a risk of venom entering your system through mouth. The best option is not to touch the wound and seek medical assistance immediately. Importantly, try and keep the victim calm.  We know it’s easier said than done but panicking can increase the heart rate of the victim and this can speed the spread of the venom.

3. You must find food first

Fact: There are lot of things that can get you killed in the wilderness and starvation is certainly one of them. But, it shouldn’t be your immediate concern. Humans can live for up to six weeks without food. That’s plenty of time for you to be rescued by a search party.  Water, warmth, and protection should always be your top priorities.

4. The fluid in a cactus can quench your thirst

Fact: The inside of a cactus is thick and tough, and you’ll probably only get a few drops of water from it. Also, the liquid inside cactus isn’t pure water and is actually a highly alkaline, noxious fluid.  Drinking it could trigger vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. This would further complicate a survival situation and speed up dehydration. You can drink from a barrel cactus, but only one of five varieties—the fishhook barrel—isn’t toxic. You need to be a botany expert to rightly identify it.

5. Punch an attacking shark in the nose

Fact: The rumour is that a good, hard punch to the snout is going to send a shark reeling. But is it practical? When you’re underwater it’s difficult to punch anything. If you can't get out of the water right away, try to reduce the shark's possible angles of attack.  Slowly back up against a reef, piling, or rock outcropping — any solid obstruction – so that the shark can't circle around behind you. But if these options are not available then hit the shark in the face and gills. Experts say that, “as with all animal attacks, the best advice is to go for the eye. If you poke something in the eye, it will stop what it is doing.” But let’s not demonise sharks. According to the International Shark Attack File, the chances that you will be killed by a shark are one in 3.8 million. And most shark bites are the case of mistaken identity.

6. You can eat anything that animals eat

Fact: Some animals might eat plants that happen to be edible to humans, but these same animals can also eat plants that are dangerous to us. Birds and squirrels are the worst animals to emulate. They consume certain berries and mushrooms that can prove toxic for humans.

7. Moss grows on the north side of trees

Fact: This navigation myth will get you lost in the wilderness. Moss can grow on all sides of a tree, depending on environmental conditions.

What’s your take on these myths? Do you wish to share with us any other survival myths? Let’s know in the comments below.