Survival is all about living from one minute to the next, one hour to the next, and one day to the next. Some things you may do to survive one day may not be the best choice the next day.

That said, here are some of the biggest myths with survival that may seem like they make sense at the moment, but may get you killed the next moment.

Myth: Hunting for Food is just as important as Shelter, Fire, and Water.
If there is ample water at your campsite, the human body can survive for multiple weeks by sustaining itself with its own stored fat.
What is unwise, though, is to expect hunting to add to your food reserve. It has become common for movies and television to show preppers hunting with bows and arrows or small rifles to catch rabbit, squirrel, or other small varmints.
The reality is much different. It is important to limit movement in a survival situation. Remaining stationary will make it easier for rescuers to find you and the effort you expend hunting will cause you to lose calories and valuable nutrients to gain only a small amount of food for the group.
Reality: Hunting is Not Reliable
When you break it down, success in hunting relies in many things outside the prepper’s control. The bow or rifle must function properly. There must be an ample amount of game. The kill must occur near the campsite for it to feed the others. If a kill happens too far from camp, not only will valuable time and energy be wasted, but also the prey will likely spoil on the return journey.
Myth: Starting a Fire With Two Sticks is Reasonable.
The weather and climate around the campsite are not reliable. It could be extremely wet, muggy, or raining on the day of disaster. The more a camp site is left up to chance, the more chances it has to fail. It may be romantic to start your fire with two sticks but unless you have practiced and perfected the bow drill method, it’s better left for your family camping trip.
Reality: Have Multiple Ways to Start a Fire
A prepper should always have at least three ways to start a fire with them at all times. These are a spark-rod, storm proof matches, and a lighter.
Myth: You Should Run from Bears
Bears are known as strong, powerful animals. Their speed, though, is underrated. If you try to run from one, it will mostly likely decide you are prey and pursue.
Reality: What You Should Do Depends on the Type of Bear
If you are walking through the woods and encounter a black bear, make yourself look big. Puff up your chest, extend your whole frame as much as possible. Then, this may sound strange, but shout and scream. The bear was afraid from the start and this display will make him run.
Grizzly Bears are more of a problem. First, never make eye contact. The animal will take it as a display of dominance. Now, if the bear is not approaching, slowly walk away. If it is slowly approaching you, stand your ground.
The best way to deal with a grizzly is pepper spray. Of course, only spray the bear as a last resort. Attacking a bear first is never a good decision.
Myth: When in the Desert, Find Water as Soon as Possible
It is possible to survive 48 hours in the desert with no water. The most important thing to keep in check in a desert environment is sweat.
Reality: Keep Cool, Stay Alive
Too much sun is extremely dangerous.
In a desert, find shade in the peak heat hours. Then, toward the end of the day or the morning go looking for a sustainable water source.
Myth: As a Last Resort in a Desert, Drink Your Pee
It makes sense to think your body will be able to clean the liquid and take the left over water. However, this only works if your body is in peak condition.
Reality: The Body Will Be Too Hot to Process the Liquid
When on the cusp of heat stroke, drinking your own urine will simply push you over the edge. A good tip, though, is to pee on a bandana and wear it. As the liquid in the bandana evaporates, the head will be cooled.
Myth: If You Boil Water, It Will Definitely Be Drinkable
Boiling will 100% kill all organisms and germs in the water. However, if harmful chemicals are present they won’t be eradicated.
Reality: Pay Attention to Where Water Comes From
Make completely sure the water you drink doesn’t come from a contaminated stream. This is why knowing the area is always necessary.
Myth: Eat Snow to Rehydrate
It makes sense. Snow is just frozen water. If it’s eaten, you’ll get rehydrated. The problem, though, is similar to the common myth that says to drink urine in the desert.
Reality: Eating Snow in Freezing Environment Causes More Damage
If you’re near hypothermia, eating snow will push you over the edge. If possible, melt the snow and drink the water.

When considering all of these myths, a trend seems to take shape. Survival situations are typically short events in which you are just waiting out rescue, yet most of these myths imply that you must scrounge up food and water to survive for weeks.

If you do go hunting, you could get lost or trapped in bad weather, away from your shelter. Shelter is the top priority because it will keep you warm and dry.

If you do manage to go hunting and bring back food, you could attract a bear, meaning you now have to deal with how you should address the bear issue. The biggest lessons here are to stay put, don't exert yourself, and keep your core temperature regulated.

These are some great tips. If you want to see even more myths, you can check them out at Survival Sullivan.