Are gorillas dangerous?
Are gorillas dangerous? : Gorillas are fascinating animals, these apes are so much like humans sharing 96% of their DNA with humans. Though mountain gorillas are normally portrayed as ferocious monsters, they are very gentle though they are still powerful meaning they can be dangerous if they feel threatened.
Particularly, silverbacks “Male gorillas” are incredibly strong and their long canines can cause serious injuries. Normally when two gorilla groups meet, it’s the leaders that often get into physical altercations and silverbacks have been known to kill infants after taking over a group.
Generally, gorillas are calm animals and they can be aggressive in certain situations.
Note: Remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect.
Things To Know About Gorillas
Males can be aggressive when they feel their group is threatened that means even if its just a perceived threat, this is why it is important these animals are slowly habituated to human presence before allowing visitors to visit them.
In case they are not habituated, a group leader could be startled and attack, this has been a big problem for hunters in the past who have run into gorillas and gotten seriously injured as a result.
When Do Gorillas Become Aggressive
Though gorillas look like they can rip you into pieces, they are really gentle creatures and normally termed as gentle giants. Still, they prefer to be left alone that is why the time spent in their presence is limited.
It is important to note that they are still wild animals and like all wild animals, they can get aggressive if they feel threatened. If a silverback from another group tries to steal one of the gemales or if a human tries to get too close to their territory, the gorillas will first try to warm them off with loud grunts and by tearing down vegetation. If it does not work, the silverback will stand upright on its rare legs and pound its chest as a show of power.
These actions are indication that the gorillas ready to defend itself and its family against the threat. So, while you are out in the wild, remember to give these gorillas space and respect their territory.
Can Habituated Gorillas Become Dangerous?
Though gorillas are always portrayed as dangerous and aggressive, they are really gentle animals. They are shy and retiring by nature and usually become aggressive only when they feel threatened. Matter of fact, gorillas are not as dangerous as they are often portrayed to be.
Most of the incidents involving gorillas and human attacks have occurred in zoos or other settings of captivity where the animals has been deprived of their natural habitats and social structure. When gorillas are not allowed to live in their natural setting/environment, they pose very little threat to humans.
Through gorilla habituation process, many gorillas have been successfully habituated to human presence and can easily be observed in the wild. Gorilla habituation is a long and complex process but its results are rewarding as it gets gorillas to be friendly and used to human being thus allowing visitors to have a face – face interaction with them on mountain gorilla trekking safari.
Why Gorillas Get Angry, Aggressive and Dangerous
At completion of the habituation process, chances are high that mountain gorillas may return to their natural state without regular visits from humans. Here are the incidences where the gorillas get aggressive.
- Putting on the wrong colors of safari clothing
When traveling to see gorillas in their natural habitat, it is vital to be aware of what colors to wear. Bright colors will make you stand out and be the first target if the gorillas decide to charge.
Even if they are in their usual happy mood, they may want to probe you out of all trekkers. So tourists are encouraged to put on dull colors such as green or brown which blend with the forest environment these primates live in.
By wearing the right colors, you will not only avoid attracting unwanted attention from the gorillas but you will also be likely to startle them and cause them to become aggressive.
- Avoid eye contact with the gorillas
Given their close relation to humans, it is easy to want to establish a connection with gorillas. However, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be treated in that manner.
One of the main ways to show respect for gorillas is to avoid making direct eye contact, in the wild gorillas use eye contact to assert dominance and challenge other members of their group.
If a human were to make direct eye contact with a gorilla, it can be interpreted as a sign of aggression. While gorillas are generally shy creatures, they are still wild animals and should be respected in that way.
If you find yourself in close proximity to gorillas, it is best to avoid making eye contact and give them the space they need.
- Give gorillas the space that they need
Mountain gorillas need their space to move around freely in their natural habitat which is why it is important to give them space, if they feel like they are being surrounded, they could become agitated and even attack.
Because of this, national parks limit the number of tourists who can visit a particular gorilla group in a day, each group is limited to 8 people. Also, all visitors must maintain a safe distance of 7 meters.
By respecting the gorillas’ space can help you ensure their safety and your own.
- Don’t touch the gorillas
Gorillas are some of the most gentle and loving creatures on earth in the animal kingdom, they are also very intelligent and have complex social lives.
For some reasons, it is easy to forget that gorillas are still wild animals. If you find yourself getting too close to a gorilla or wanting to touch them, remember it is a bad idea as they are wild and will attempt the silverback to attack.
The silverback gorilla – the leader of the group is always watching and if he sees you getting too close to one his gorillas, he may become protective and aggressive. So, never touch a gorilla no matter how tempting it may be. Though they many look harmless, they are still wild animals.
How To Avoid Gorilla Attacks
Like already noted, gorillas are gentle giants. However, they are still wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened. If you are lucky to encounter them “gorillas” in the wild, there are some important things to keep in mind in order to avoid any sort of attack.
- Pay attention the gorilla’s body language, if they begin to beat their chest or make other aggressive gestures. It is time to back off.
- Always avoid making direct eye contact or show your teeth to the gorillas, these can be perceived as threats.
- Avoid taking flash photos or using flashlights around gorillas, this can make them feel insecure and cause them to attack
If you follow the above guidelines, you will have a safe and memorable encounter with the amazing mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking and Safety Concerns
Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with mountain gorillas which are regarded as the world’s most fascinating animals, while on this wonderful experience. It is important to remember that gorillas are wild and it is vital to respect their space.
All trekkers (tourists) should always maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas and should never attempt to touch them.
Note: Gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
By following these simple guidelines, be sure that you will have an incredible, safe and enjoyable experience with mountain gorillas.
What To do Do and Not to Do When a Gorilla Charges
When a gorilla charges, one of the most important thing to remember if you find yourself in the presence of a gorillas is to remain calm. Though it may be hard to do when a large potentially dangerous animals is nearby, but its crucial in this situation.
Gorillas enjoy feeling superior and if you act panicked or sacred. It will only encourage the gorilla to attack. Instead, lower yourself down and make yourself as small as possible. Look towards the trees and stay alert but don’t stare directly at the gorillas.
Whatever you do, don’t run-gorillas are much faster than humans and trying to flee will only trigger its chase instinct. If you manage to stay clam and submissive, the gorilla will eventually lose interest and move on.
Remember that gorillas never continue an attack once the person they are attacking stops being a threat or a challenge. so as long as you don’t fight back or try to run away, you should be safe.
Always Pay Attention To What Your Safari Guide Tells You
While in the jungle, your safety as a visitor is the number one priority of the rangers. In the rare event that a gorilla should become aggressive, the rangers will first attempt to draw its attention away from you and towards themselves.
Only and only as a last resort, they will consider shooting into the air to scare off the gorilla.
