How to Survive a Swim With… Piranhas?!

How to Survive a Swim With... Piranhas?!

(GivenUs.com) – If you ever happen to find yourself in the Amazon — no, not the warehouse, the actual river — you need to know about a deadly creature that resides there. The piranha.

This video explains the danger in a little more detail.

So what can you do if it’s a life or death situation and you HAVE to cross? Follow these tips to hopefully get you to the other side without losing a finger or worse:

  • Cross during the South American wet season. January through March is when the river is deeper and food for the piranhas is plentiful. This will reduce your chances of getting bitten or eaten.
  • Cover any open wounds before sticking your toes in. These carnivores can smell blood from up to two miles away.
  • Piranhas are diurnal. This means they are most active during the day. Avoid crossing the river during daylight hours.
  • Avoid shallow water. Piranhas love to hang out in shallow water. If your feet are in the water, it could prove dangerous.

A piranha’s bite is more powerful than a great white shark and three times more than an alligator. In addition, they travel in schools, making it impossible to get away once they start to attack. According to Popular Science, it would only take about 5 minutes for a group of 300-500 piranhas to skeletonize a human.

On a positive note, it is rare to get attacked or eaten by a piranha. They are mainly opportunistic feeders and prefer smaller prey.

The goal of crossing a piranha-infested waterway is to be tactful and on your toes. This will ensure a safe and non-eventful trip across the river. So, if you happen to be in the position where you need to cross the Amazon without a boat, don’t forget these life-saving tips.

~Here’s to Your Success!

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