After an intensive search, Michigan State Police have revealed how an 8-year-old survives 2 days in a remote Michigan park before being located.

Where Nante Was Located

Nante Nieme was found under a log approximately two miles away from his family’s campsite at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. According to police, Nieme utilized branches and leaves for warmth, covering himself and the log he sought refuge under.

Although he had no food, Niemi sustained himself by brushing away dirty snow to get to clean snow for hydration. He would walk and leave tracks to be found. He stayed in one area so that rescuers would have a better chance of finding him. 

Two Days and Over 150 Volunteers

The search for Niemi involved over 150 search and rescue personnel, including nine K9 units,. The team combed a 40-square mile area of the vast 60,000-acre park.

Niemi, with a volunteer after his rescue from Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Photo: Hurley School District via Facebook

The difficult terrain, characterized as remote, hilly, and with standing water, presented significant challenges to the search efforts. These facts alone make it all the more amazing an 8-year-old survives 2 days in the wilderness.

The second grader went missing while gathering firewood as he camped with his family. According to the Michigan State Police, the boy was in good health after the volunteer search team found him at 1:30 p.m. local time.

This story was part of the May 14th RV and Camping News Roundup.

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