Are Gorillas Aggressive & Dangerous? Gorilla Attacks

While gorillas are not the vicious monsters that they were previously thought to be, they are nonetheless powerful creatures who may be lethal if they feel threatened. Silverback males are especially powerful, and their large canines can cause significant injury. When two groups of gorillas meet, the leaders frequently fight, and silverbacks have been known to kill newborns after taking over a group. Although gorillas are typically peaceful creatures, they can become violent in specific circumstances. It is critical to remember that these are wild creatures that must be treated with caution and respect.

There are a few things you should know about gorillas. For example, men might be violent when they believe their group is threatened, even if the threat is only apparent. That is why it is critical that these creatures get gradually acclimated to humans before permitting visitors. Otherwise, the group leader may grow alarmed and attack. This has historically been a major issue for hunters, who have collided with gorillas and been gravely harmed as a result. Therefore, when dealing with gorillas, it’s preferable to err on the side of caution and take things slowly.

 

When Do Gorillas Start Being Aggressive?

Gorillas are known to be gentle giants. They may appear to be vicious, but in actuality, they are peaceful creatures who simply want to be left alone. That so, keep in mind that they are wild creatures, and like all wild animals, they may become violent if they feel threatened. If another group’s silverback tries to abduct one of the females, or if a human comes too close to their area, the gorillas will try to scare them away with loud grunts and pull-down foliage. If that doesn’t work, the silverback will stand on its unusual legs and pound its chest in a display of force. These acts demonstrate that the gorilla is prepared to defend itself and its family from the specific threat. Remember to give the gorillas some room and respect their area when you’re out in the wild.

 

Can Habituated Gorillas Become Dangerous?

Gorillas are one of the most misunderstood of all creatures. Despite they are sometimes characterized as vicious and aggressive, gorillas are actually gentle giants. They are naturally quiet and reserved and only become violent when threatened. In reality, wild gorillas are not nearly as deadly as they are sometimes portrayed to be. The great majority of gorilla-human encounters have happened in zoos or other institutional settings where the animals have been robbed of their natural habitats and social systems. Gorillas offer very little harm to people when they are permitted to exist in their natural surroundings. Indeed, many gorillas have effectively adapted to human presence and may be observed in the wild.

 

Gorilla habituation is a lengthy and difficult process, yet it can result in pleasant and accustomed gorillas. Visitors can monitor habituated gorillas in several countries with major gorilla populations, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. People may observe gorillas in their natural habitat and learn more about these beautiful animals thanks to these one-of-a-kind experiences.

 

How To Avoid Gorilla Attacks?

While gorillas are gentle giants, they are wild animals that may be violent if attacked. If you’re lucky enough to come across gorillas in the wild, there are a few things you should know to prevent being attacked. First, observe the gorilla’s body language. It’s time to back off if they start beating their chest or making other hostile gestures. You should also avoid direct eye contact and displaying your teeth, as these might be seen as threats. It’s also a good idea to avoid shooting flash shots or using spotlights near gorillas, as this might make them feel threatened and lead to an attack. You’ll have a safe and memorable experience with these fascinating creatures if you follow these easy recommendations.

 

Concerns About Gorilla Trekking and Safety

Gorilla trekking is an incredible experience that allows you to get up and personal with some of the most intriguing animals on the planet. But, keep in mind that gorillas are wild creatures, and you must respect their territory. Visitors should always keep at least 7 meters away from gorillas and should never attempt to touch them. Gorilla trekking is possible at Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga national park. You can guarantee that your contact with these wonderful creatures is safe and pleasurable for both you and the gorillas by following some easy instructions.

 

Why Do Gorillas Become Angry, Aggressive, and Dangerous When Trekking?

Following Habituation, Tourists Take Their Time Seeing Gorillas

If humans stop visiting gorillas after they have completed the habituation process, they may revert to their wild state.

The tourist business was particularly worried during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As tourists stopped coming for extended periods of time, there was worry that the habituated populations might revert to their native state. The national parks reacted quickly, dispatching ranger teams to keep an eye on all habituated gorilla populations.

 

Choosing the Wrong Safari Clothing Colors

It is critical to know what colors to wear while seeing gorillas in their native habitat. If the gorillas decide to charge, your bright colors will make you stick out and be the first target. Even if they are normally cheerful, they may want to probe you out of all trackers. Visitors are often advised to dress in muted colors, such as green or brown, to fit in with the woodland setting where the monkeys reside. You will not only avoid attracting unwanted attention from the gorillas, but you will also reduce your chances of startling them and causing them to become violent.

 

The Gorillas’ Direct Eye Contact

With their intimate relationship with humans, it’s natural to desire to bond with gorillas. Nonetheless, keep in mind that they are still wild creatures and should be handled as such. Avoiding direct eye contact is one of the most important ways to show respect toward gorillas. Gorillas make eye contact to demonstrate dominance and challenge other members of their group in the wild. Direct eye contact between a person and a gorilla might be taken as a sign of aggressiveness. While most gorillas are shy, they are still wild animals and should be treated as such. Whenever you come into touch with gorillas, avoid establishing eye contact and give them the space they require.

 

Give Gorillas Their Required Room

It is critical to provide gorillas with the space they require to travel freely in their natural environment. They may grow irritated and even attack if they believe they are being encircled. As a result, national parks limit the number of people that can visit a certain gorilla group in a single day. Everyone must also keep a 7-meter safe distance. We can assist secure the gorillas’ and our own safety by respecting their area.

 

Do Not Approach The Gorilla

Gorillas are among the most peaceful and caring animals on the planet. They are also extremely bright and lead complicated social lives. Because of these factors, it is easy to forget that gorillas are still wild animals. If you go too near to a gorilla or desire to touch one, remember that they are still wild animals. The silverback gorilla is the group’s leader, and he is constantly on the lookout. If he notices you approaching one of his gorillas, he may become possessive and violent. Hence, no matter how tempting it may seem, never touch a gorilla. They may appear to be innocent, yet they are wild creatures.

 

A Gorilla Charge: What to Do and What Not to Do Calmness Is Essential

One of the most essential things to remember if you come into contact with a gorilla is to remain calm. That may be difficult to perform with a huge, potentially deadly animal around, but it is critical in this case. Gorillas like to feel superior, and seeming afraid or scared will only encourage the gorilla to attack. Instead, shrink yourself to the smallest size feasible. Maintain your focus on the woods while remaining wary of the gorilla. And, whatever you do, don’t run – gorillas are far quicker than humans, and fleeing would simply activate its pursuit drive.

If you can remain calm and submissive, the gorilla will lose interest and move on. Recall that gorillas would never continue to attack someone who is no longer a threat or a challenge. Thus, as long as you don’t fight back or flee, you should be OK.

 

Take Note of What Your Safari Guide Tells You

When on safari, the Rangers’ top focus is always your safety. If a gorilla becomes violent, the Rangers will initially try to divert its attention away from you and onto themselves. They will only contemplate firing into the air as a last option to scare the primate away. We have never heard of a Ranger/Guide having to resort to this method in all of our years of organizing safaris. When you go on safari with us, you can be confident that you are in good hands.