Expert Tips for , Finding Sources of Water, in the Desert.<br />Insider reports that when trying to survive in <br />an arid environment, it is important to know where <br />the most likely sources of water are hiding.<br />The Phoenix Fire Department's desert survival <br />tips suggest looking for trees such as <br />cottonwoods, sycamores, willows or tamarisks.<br />While some cacti species can have toxic <br />sap or a bitter taste that makes them <br />unsuitable, the prickly pear cactus is edible. .<br />According to the University of Nevada, Reno, <br />you should wear leather or rubber gloves <br />and use tongs to harvest a prickly pear cactus.<br />Burning the fruit over an open flame can remove the <br />thorns, and once cooled, the cactus can be peeled <br />to reveal a fleshy fruit similar to a melon or kiwi.<br />Burning the fruit over an open flame can remove the <br />thorns, and once cooled, the cactus can be peeled <br />to reveal a fleshy fruit similar to a melon or kiwi.<br />Insider reports that insects, birds and <br />mammals tend to congregate near water sources. .<br />Even dry river beds can be hiding water. .<br />Experts recommend looking for a bend <br />and then digging three to six feet <br />down to find hidden troves of water.<br />Tarps, shoes, bottles and a variety of other receptacles can be used as make-shift water-collecting devices.<br />Good spots to set up water collectors <br />are found in canyon basins, valleys and <br />other places where water can flow downhill.
