Lacking 8-year-old survives two days in Michigan wilderness by consuming snow

An 8-year-old boy survived two days within the frigid and distant Michigan wilderness by consuming snow and hiding beneath a log.

Nante Niemi of Wisconsin was discovered at 1:30 p.m. Monday roughly two miles from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park campground — the place he had been staying along with his household, Michigan State Police said.

The second grader — sporting solely a sweatshirt and sweatpants — disappeared 48 hours earlier when he wandered from the Wakefield campsite to collect firewood for his household.

The misplaced boy walked a complete path till he was led to a useless finish.

Moderately than proceed strolling via the unmarked 60,000-acre forest — described by officers as a “very distant” park — the intelligent youngster hunkered down and located shelter beneath a log.

Police mentioned Nante used “branches and leaves for heat and in addition blanketed the log he was beneath. He didn’t have any meals however ate clear snow for hydration.”

The boy endured temperatures that dropped to the 40s each nights.

Greater than 150 individuals from varied legislation enforcement teams, together with 9 K9s, joined the search on foot, within the air and on water. The events lined a roughly 40 sq. mile space.

When Nante was lastly discovered, first responders provided to hold the younger boy again to his household, however Nante mentioned he most well-liked ending his journey on foot.

“They provided to hold him out right this moment, however he instructed the fellows who discovered him that he wished to stroll!” Michigan police mentioned.

Nante has since been reunited along with his household and is in good well being, in response to officers.