Piranhas, nicknamed "the wolves of the waters", are known for their ability to flesh out an animal to the bone in seconds. However, they are not as dangerous to humans as you might think, especially if you find yourself swimming in their waters in the rainy season when they have plenty of food. However, in Latin America, packs of piranhas can become threatening in conditions of food scarcity. If you are planning to hike the Amazon rainforest, read on to find out what you need to do to swim safely among the piranhas.
Steps
Step 1. Get familiar with piranha territory
Piranhas are freshwater fish and only live in Latin America (although abandoned piranhas can sometimes be seen elsewhere). They live almost exclusively in still or slow-moving rivers or lakes, and usually die in cold waters.
Step 2. Avoid swimming among the piranhas during the dry season
Piranhas are usually mild and lively. They rarely attack a larger animal, unless they are really hungry. Food availability reaches its lowest level in the dry season (which runs from April to September), when the water level drops dramatically and food becomes less abundant, which is why avoid entering piranha-infested waters at that time..
- In case you are not sure if the dry season has started, ask the locals if it is safe to swim.
- Watch out for ponds that appear to be produced by the action of a river. Rivers retreat slowly and often increase or decrease depending on the rainfall, leaving ponds behind. The fish found in these bodies of water remain isolated and are practically condemned to death; if you get too close, despair may attack you.
Step 3. Wait until night falls before entering the water
If, during the dry season, you have to venture into piranha-infested waters, wait for it to get dark, in case you have to cross without a boat. Piranhas hunt their prey by day and sleep at night.
- If they are awakened at night, piranhas normally tend to flee, but it is still best not to disturb them.
- Remember that other predators, such as caimans, are active at night. If you are trying to cross a stream inhabited by several animals, the dangers of crossing it at night may outweigh the benefits.
Step 4. Stay away from water if you have an open or bleeding wound
Piranhas sense the smell of blood in the water, and are more likely to attack a larger animal if they think it is injured.
- You should also avoid carrying raw meat in water with you, and wash your hands before entering if you have recently handled raw meat (but don't wash them in piranha-infested waters).
- Stay away from water underneath areas where there are bird's nests or garbage dumps; piranhas may associate you with blood that comes from these other sources.
Step 5. Avoid fidgeting
Recent studies suggest that desperate piranhas are more attracted to movement than blood. When crossing the waters, minimize your movements and swim or walk with fluid movements. Avoid talking, and don't use torches or lanterns for the night crossing.
Step 6. Create a diversion
As a last resort, try to create a diversion by leaving an animal carcass or a large amount of fresh meat further downstream from where you need to cross. Should it ever be necessary to do this, keep in mind that piranhas can flesh out an animal to the bone in minutes or seconds, so you'll need to cross very quickly before they sense your presence.
Advice
- For locals (and tourists) swimming among piranhas is quite common. The fact is that, except for periods of drought, piranhas are no more dangerous than any other fish of similar size.
- There are different varieties of piranhas, but most of them live in Latin America. Some similar fish are often confused with piranhas, as in the case of the harmless and harmless pacu.
- While it is true that people may be afraid of being eaten by piranhas, in reality the situation is the opposite. Piranhas are often considered a culinary specialty in places where they can be caught.
Warnings
- Piranhas are just one of the many dangers you may face in Latin American rivers. Be cautious when in these areas, and if possible take a local expert guide.
- Make no mistake, a pack of hungry piranhas could cause you serious injuries or even kill you. While their reputation as man-eaters is exaggerated, you still need to respect these fish and have the sense to avoid them during times of greatest danger.
