Survival Skills: Self-Defense
When you’re in the wild, the elements aren’t the only thing that threatens your life. Wild animals such as bears, wolves, and moose can seriously injure or kill you. In addition to animals, people who have lost their humanity may also become a threat. These skills will cover self-defense from both humans and animals.
1. Types of Strikes
- Finger Jab: Blinding an animal (or person) is a viable attack or counterattack method. If a wolf tackles you to the ground, block their mouth with your non-dominant arm, and attempt to gouge their eye with your fingers.
- Edge of Hand: If you’ve ever studied martial arts, you know how deadly a palm strike or chop to the collarbone can be. If a person attacks you, palm strike vertically up into their nose for a potentially lethal strike.
- Knee: Any self-defense instructor will tell you that a blow from a knee can break ribs and bones. Use your hips to generate momentum and thrust your weight forward into a knee strike.
- Elbow Spike: 12 to 6 vertical elbow strikes are banned in professional fighting for a reason—they are potentially life-threatening if executed correctly. If an animal has taken control of one of your arms, you may be able to break its neck with a well-executed elbow strike.
2. Using Technology to Defend Yourself
- Pepper spray: If you have pepper spray available, it can be an indispensable asset to your survival. Consider including pepper spray in your survival bag for an added level of defense against people and animals.
3. Animals
- NEVER RUN: Running incites a prey instinct and animals will often chase. It’s best to slowly walk away while keeping your eyes on the animal.
- Make Yourself as Big as Possible: Your best chance of frightening off a predator is to make yourself as big as possible; spread your arms out wide, stand tall, and give your loudest yell.
