natural threats library

 

Natural threats usually arrive without much warning. Find out how to survive a snowstorm, shark attack and avalanche.

Featured Article:  How Shark Attacks Work

A shark attack is truly a terrifying experience for the victim -- but are sharks really man-eating monsters with a taste for human flesh? Or do some people just happen to get in the way of animals obeying their instincts? Find out. See more »

10 Ways to Survive a Snowstorm

10 Ways to Survive a Snowstorm

You can't control the weather -- but you can prepare for it. We'll take you through 10 ways to survive a snowstorm, from whether to pick mittens or gloves to how you should shovel snow.

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Can the sun kill you?

Can the sun kill you?

It doesn't seem murderous, but that bright burning ball of gas in the sky can do your body some serious damage. What kind of ill can come from the sun?

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Can you really escape an alligator if you run in a zigzag?

Can you really escape an alligator if you run in a zigzag?

You've heard this adage a million times, and perhaps it even brings you comfort when you're in gator territory. But is it really helpful advice?

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How Bear Spray Works

How Bear Spray Works

Bears are burly -- so burly that it takes multiple gunshots to even slow one down. Shoot it once and you'll just make it mad. Do yourself a favor -- use bear spray instead.

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How Shark Attacks Work

How Shark Attacks Work

A shark attack is truly a terrifying experience for the victim -- but are sharks really man-eating monsters with a taste for human flesh? Or do some people just happen to get in the way of animals obeying their instincts? Find out.

See more »
How to Survive a Grizzly Bear Attack

How to Survive a Grizzly Bear Attack

Grizzlies are bit touchier than the average black bear. So, you'll really need to watch yourself if you encounter one on the trail. At what point should you curl up in a ball and play dead?

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How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods

How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods

When you hear a rumble of thunder, you head indoors. It's common sense. But what if you're in the forest, and there is no indoors? Where do head then?

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How to Survive the Freezing Cold

How to Survive the Freezing Cold

Maybe you were skiing and had an accident or maybe the power went out in your home during the winter. Now you have to find a way to survive the extreme cold.

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If I suck the venom out of a snakebite, will I live?

If I suck the venom out of a snakebite, will I live?

It always seemed like a pretty gross idea. I mean, what does venom taste like? And, do I really want to eat something that's deadly? Turns out, your instincts were right.

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Top 5 Most Poisonous Plants

Top 5 Most Poisonous Plants

If you swallow these plants, you could wind up with stomach convulsions, blurred vision, amnesia -- you could even die. What shouldn't you taste on your next hike?

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What is the universal edibility test?

What is the universal edibility test?

If you eat hemlock you could die, and poison ivy isn't good for anyone. But dandelions make a nice salad. How do you tell the plants you can eat from the plants you can't?

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Which animals kill the most people in the wild?

Which animals kill the most people in the wild?

Slithering snakes, flesh-tearing lions and roaring bears usually top people's lists of most feared creatures. But you might be surprised which animal's bite is most likely to result in your demise.

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Why has part of the Alaskan wilderness been called the Bermuda Triangle?

Why has part of the Alaskan wilderness been called the Bermuda Triangle?

The number of missing people in the state of Alaska is twice the national average. Why do so many get lost?

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15 Tips for Surviving a Bear Encounter

15 Tips for Surviving a Bear Encounter

Bears are typically just as scared of us as we are of them. Knowing more about the behavior of bears can help you to understand why a bear would attack in the first place. Respect their boundaries and use these 15 tips for surviving a bear encounter.

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15 Tips for Surviving a Shark Attack

15 Tips for Surviving a Shark Attack

Shark attacks aren't very common but they happen. Knowing where shark-prone areas are, and what to avoid wearing in the water can help prevent shark attacks. If you do cross paths with a shark, these 15 tips for surviving a shark attack should help.

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