Laura Zerra Biography
Laura Zerra is a famous survival expert, content creator, and reality show star known for being a participant on ‘Naked and Afraid’ on Discovery Plus. A dog lover, Laura is also a member of the K9 Task Force, a company that focuses on K9 forensics. In a nutshell, Laura is a lover of the outdoors and is usually exploring the woods, hunting, and shooting arrows with Cameron Hanes whenever she isn’t surviving on Naked and Afraid. Let’s have a look into her career and life, shall we?
| Full Name | Laura Zerra |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Birthday | September 16, 1985 |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Massachusetts |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (1.63m) |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Occupation | Survivalist, reality show star |
| Net Worth | $2 million (estimate) |
Laura Zerra’s Early Life and Career
Laura Zerra was born in Western Massachusetts, where she didn’t exactly have vast wilderness at her doorstep. But that didn’t stop her! From an early age, she found ways to connect with nature, crawling through swamps, stalking deer, and even exploring abandoned coyote dens in her suburban hometown. Who knew that her childhood adventures would one day shape her into the survivalist she is today?
You might not expect a survival expert like Laura to have once been a strict vegan, but it’s true! Her love for animals, sparked by close encounters during her youth, led her to embrace a vegan lifestyle while in high school. But like many, her beliefs evolved, and soon, Laura found herself seeking a deeper connection with the land.
How Did It All Start For Laura?
What happens when you combine a love for animals with a passion for sustainability? Laura’s journey into hunting began with roadkill—yes, you read that right! Scouring highways for roadkill, she sustainably sourced skins for hide tanning and eventually, began using the meat as well. This shift in her diet led Laura to pursue hunting as a way to honor the connection between humans and the land. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to feel that kind of bond with the world around you?
College was just the beginning for Laura. While studying Ethnobiology at Connecticut College, she craved more than books could offer. Laura spent summers teaching primitive survival at the Great Hollow Wilderness School and later, interned with the Buffalo Field Campaign, documenting the plight of bison in West Yellowstone. From tanning hides to surviving harsh winters, Laura was learning firsthand what it takes to thrive in the wild.
Laura Zerra on Naked and Afraid
In 2013, Laura’s skills were put to the ultimate test when she joined the cast of Naked and Afraid, surviving 21 days in Panama with no supplies. And she didn’t stop there. She returned for another challenge in the Peruvian Amazon and even completed a grueling 40-day stint in the Colombian savanna during Naked and Afraid XL. Could you imagine surviving in the wild for over a month with nothing but your wits?
Despite the challenging nature of Naked and Afraid, (even the thought of it sounds intense), Laura has since been a regular star on the show and was even a participant in the latest season of the show, which unfortunately, she didn’t win (got edged over by Dan Link). Nonetheless,
Laura’s survival expertise caught the attention of YouTube sensation Andrew Ucles, leading the duo to embark on adventures in both North America and Australia. Together, they showcased their skills in the documentary “North America: The Wild Meets the Weird.” It was during this time that Laura developed a passion for persistence hunting, a method she considers the fairest form of hunting.
Laura Zerra’s Personal Life
Laura Zerra is 39 years old as of 2024. She was born on September 16, 1985, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently not married and has kept a love life somewhat of a mystery for the longest time. Nonetheless, she is a proud dog mum to her majestic Malinois, Nerron.
What Is Laura Zerra’s Net Worth?
Having been in the survivalist business for quite a while now (and also featuring in a lot of shows, of course) Laura has managed to amass an estimated net worth of around $2 million as of 2024. She also owes this to her large social media presence, which usually lands her lucrative endorsement and advertisement deals from brands that sell hunting and survival gear.
Interesting Facts About Laura Zerra
Here are some interesting less-known facts about Laura that I’m sure you’ll love;
- As a child, Laura fantasized about climbing Mount Katahdin for over 30 years, inspired by a book she owned and read more than 100 times. She finally made that dream a reality, conquering the mountain that had captured her imagination for so long.
- Laura’s constant companion on her wild adventures is her Malinois dog, Nerron. Together, they explore rugged terrains, embodying the true spirit of survival and adventure.
- Laura’s journey from being a self-righteous vegan in high school to becoming a skilled hunter represents a pivotal turning point in her life. Her desire to connect deeply with the land and animals led her to sustainably source meat and embrace hunting as part of her survival ethos.
- Laura has appeared on multiple seasons of Naked and Afraid, surviving 21 days in Panama, another 21 in the Peruvian Amazon, and a staggering 40 days in the Colombian savanna during Naked and Afraid XL. Her resilience and skills have made her a standout in the survival world.
- Laura is an avid shed antler hunter and has amassed an impressive collection of antlers, which she proudly displays at her home like trophies. She often shares photos of her stunning collection, showcasing her dedication to this unique hobby.
