A California woman competing on a YouTube survival show was rescued nearly 18 hours after she went missing in a cold, rain-soaked Michigan forest over the weekend, authorities said.

The 36-year-old woman, whose identity has not been made public, disappeared in the Pigeon River Forest in Charlton Township at around 5 p.m. Friday after she left the designated base camp to search for water, the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office said.

When she failed to return, the hosts of the contests began to search for the woman on their own. After about 12 hours, the sheriff’s office said they called 911 around 5 a.m. Saturday for help. 

Officials immediately launched a coordinated search effort involving multiple agencies.

Medical teams evaluated her at the scene and determined that she suffered no serious injuries.

Multiple agencies launched a search for the missing woman in Pigeon River Forest on Sept. 6, 2025. (Otsego County Emergency Management)

Authorities did not immediately name the show or say who was hosting the competition.

It was unclear whether the woman would continue to compete on the show.