Survival Tip: Finding Water from Animal Behavior

Looking back to the Rule of Three, finding water is either the first or second thing to do in most survival situations. But if you’re alone in the great outdoors, how do you know where to find drinkable water? Answer: Look to the experts… follow the animals!

Here are 3 signs that you can read from animals to find fresh water:

Animal tracks normally lead in one of two directions: toward food/water or toward the animal’s home. Follow the tracks for long enough and you’re quite likely to run into a watering hole.

Flight paths are clues in the sky just like animal tracks in the dirt. Look up instead of down especially in the mornings and evenings to see where flocks of birds are headed. Although this may point you to a water source a little further away, it’s another highly-likely way to find a drink.

Insect swarms are also a good sign that you’re close to water. While some insects live in very dry environments, many more live near water. So those annoying gnats may be good news when you’re thirsty.

Make sure you do all you can to filter your new-found water, and enjoy!