Category: Wilderness survival

In a 2015 article for *The New Yorker*, Jon Krakauer revealed that the seeds of the wild potato plant, which had been a food source for McCandless, were a contributing factor to his death due to a previously unrecognized toxin. This research finally provided a definitive answer to the question: what did Chris McCandless eat that was poisonous?.

In 1992, Christopher McCandless entered the Alaskan wilderness with a 10-pound bag of rice, and months later, his body was found weighing only 67 pounds. The mystery of what was Christopher McCandless actually eating has fascinated many, going beyond simple starvation to include his reliance on toxic seeds.

Approximately 250 species of sumac exist globally, and they follow a simple yet crucial identification rule: red-berried varieties are edible, while those with white berries are poisonous. This guide helps determine which sumac berries are edible by examining key differences.

Raw acorns contain high levels of tannins, bitter compounds that can irritate the digestive system and interfere with nutrient absorption. If you eat one raw acorn, the most likely outcome is an unpleasant, bitter taste followed by mild stomach upset. While one acorn is unlikely to cause severe illness, it is not recommended due to the unpalatable flavor and potential for minor digestive issues.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all fish, both wild and farmed, can carry parasites. Whether it is safe to eat wild trout depends on preparation, water source, and other factors.

While marsh ragwort is a native and valuable component of wetland ecosystems, providing food for many insects, it is toxic to both livestock and humans. All parts of the plant contain harmful compounds that can lead to irreversible liver damage if ingested, making it emphatically inedible.

Native blue snakeweed, scientifically known as *Stachytarpheta jamaicensis*, has edible flowers and leaves, but the edibility of plants known by the common name 'blue snakeweed' depends entirely on correct species identification. There is significant confusion among species, and other similar-looking 'snakeweeds' can be toxic, with some causing serious health issues in livestock and humans. This guide will help you understand the crucial differences to ensure safe foraging.

Compared to many animals, humans are poorly equipped to live solely on a diet of leaves. While we can and do eat certain leaves, like spinach and lettuce, most are tough, low in caloric value, and indigestible, raising the question: could humans eat leaves from trees or other wild plants for survival?

The horsenettle plant (Solanum carolinense) is a common perennial native to North America, but despite its resemblance to edible nightshade relatives like tomatoes, its fruits are highly toxic. This is a critical distinction for foragers and gardeners to understand, as ingestion can lead to severe illness or even death.

In 1897, a group of Arctic explorers tragically learned that polar bear liver is highly toxic, causing severe illness due to excessive Vitamin A. This incident highlights a crucial survival and culinary lesson: not all parts of an animal are safe to consume, begging the question, 'what parts of an animal are not safe to eat?'