A 72-year-old woman has been rescued after nine days of struggling in the Arizona wilderness.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (USA), on March 31, the car carrying Ms. Ann Rodgers and her dog on the way from Tucson to Phoenix ran out of gas and there was no gas station nearby.

Mrs. Rodgers. Photo: Department of Public Safety.

For more than a week, the owner and dog duo struggled to survive in the barren lands of Gila County by eating plants, berries and drinking water from streams.

Unable to make a phone call, Mrs. Rodgers left behind many signs, such as making the word “HELP” with sticks and stones.

In early April, a helicopter found Mrs. Rodgers and her dog standing next to a fire.

“If it weren’t for Mrs Rodgers’ efforts, we might still be looking for her somewhere,” said Johnny Holmes, the investigating officer.

An elderly woman forms the word HELP so rescue workers can easily recognize her. Photo: Department of Public Safety.

“She personally participated in the rescue process by providing our staff with many clues to find and follow to where she was staying.”

Cory Lundin, a survival expert, told the Arizona Center that Rodgers' survival skills were rare.

Even trained survivalists are at risk when faced with a situation similar to Ms. Rodgers'./.

According to VOV