Survival Instinct: 35 Life-Threatening Exceptional Situations and their Most Likely Ways Out

By Martin Luntig

The unconditional will to live and to continue to be - this obvious basic need forms the basis of all human life. As with all mammals, the survival instinct is innate in humans. We always strive to preserve our health and our lives, have a great need for security and protection and are constantly on the lookout to avoid danger.The survival instinct is also called "self-preservation instinct" and it arises from a combination of innate behaviour, learned reactions, and conscious decisions. The term "instinct" is still not precisely defined. In addition to genetic predispositions, experience values and epigenetics are added in the course of life. Inherited and acquired behaviour interlock like clockwork, intermingle, and in this way give rise to our instinct for self-preservation.In the following chapters, we would like to show you various dangerous situations, some of which are not so rare. We admit that some of the things mentioned will probably never happen to you, as they are rather unusual events. However, our principle is: "Better safe than sorry!" and it certainly never hurts to acquire knowledge that can help you in every conceivable situation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Travel The World
• Release date: Jul 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9783985940196

Book preview

Introduction

The unconditional will to live and to continue to be - this obvious basic need forms the basis of all human life. As with all mammals, the survival instinct is innate in humans. We always strive to preserve our health and our lives, have a great need for security and protection and are constantly on the lookout to avoid danger.

The survival instinct is also called self-preservation instinct and it arises from a combination of innate behaviour, learned reactions, and conscious decisions. The term instinct is still not precisely defined. In addition to genetic predispositions, experience values and epigenetics are added in the course of life. Inherited and acquired behaviour interlock like clockwork, intermingle, and in this way give rise to our instinct for self-preservation.

In the following chapters, we would like to show you various dangerous situations, some of which are not so rare. We admit that some of the things mentioned will probably never happen to you, as they are rather unusual events. However, our principle is: Better safe than sorry! and it certainly never hurts to acquire knowledge that can help you in every conceivable situation.

Chapter 1 - Encounters with Wild Animals

1. What should you do if you come face to face with a wolf?

The wolf is a wild animal, but it is also afraid of humans and can sense the danger that humans pose to it. Wolves are so-called predators. They lie in wait for their prey and hunt them. Of course, humans could also be injured or killed in this way, but such approaches rarely occur.

An attack by a wild animal can never be completely ruled out. It doesn't matter for what reason the animal attacks. With wolves, you usually don't even notice that they are near you, as they move very quietly and cautiously and usually wait until humans have passed by. When encountering a wolf, the basic rule that applies to all other wild animals applies first of all; keep calm. You will see that the animals like to use the opportunity to retreat. If this is difficult for you, you can also make yourself big and scare the wolf away with certain gestures, for example by clapping your hands, shouting loudly, or addressing it directly. If the animal retreats, let it go and do not chase it. You should also never approach a wolf directly or lure it with food - wild animals are wild animals and should not get used to human help. The same applies to cubs: if you try to pet a wolf cub or get too close, the mother will definitely attack to defend her cub. Never touch wolves and do not look for their shelters or litter boxes. Let the wolves live and they will let you live too.

2. What should you do if you come face to face with a lion?

Admittedly - the likelihood of encountering a lion is more than slim in most countries. However, this is certainly possible in certain holiday destinations. In the meantime, even safaris on foot are offered in the respective countries and you can