• If you find yourself alone in the wilderness, knowing how to find food can keep you alive.winter image by sun_orbiter from Fotolia.com
  
  Shelter, food and potable water are the keys to surviving in the wilderness, no matter what the season. Winter wilderness survival, in spite of the lack of fruit and vegetable bearing plants, doesn't have to be an impossibility. Just as wild animals like deer and rabbits are able to survive the cold months without hibernation, humans can also find sustenance in the wilderness if you know where to look. Learn about some of the foods that can be foraged in the wilderness during this harsh season and be prepared for your next foray into the woods or fields.
  
  

Animals

• Trapping small game animals will provide you with a supply of protein and is less labor-intensive than hunting. Animals such as rabbits, birds and squirrels are usually encountered in winter wilderness areas and can be cooked over an open fire. Ice fishing is a popular winter sport but can also be a survival option if you are close to a river or lake and have the necessary equipment.
  
  

Plants

• Wilderness plants can still be foraged in the winter, though they will not be as abundant as in the spring and summer. If you find yourself near a pond or river, look for the tall stalks of cattails. All parts of the cattail plant are edible, so even in the winter if the cattail is reduced to its stalk, the root can still be dug up and eaten. Grasses are also edible, as well as nuts and some tree barks. As some plant species are inedible or poisonous, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the edible species in your area and do not consume any part of a plant that you don't recognize.
  
  

Insects and Bugs

• While bugs may appear to be a disgusting meal choice, in a survival situation, insects are a good option in nutritional terms. According to the Memorial University of Newfoundland, most insect species are edible and offer proteins, carbohydrates, fat and even minerals such as iron. In the winter months, insects will not usually be found on the ground, but in some form of hibernation: look for them under rotting trees, behind loose bark, or under moss or rocks. They can be eaten raw or toasted.