Are Gorillas Aggressive & Dangerous?
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure that takes place in forests like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in the Congo. Seeing gorillas up close in their natural environment is an experience many people dream of. However, before setting out on such an adventure, it’s important to understand gorilla behavior and know whether or not they are aggressive or dangerous. Knowing how to stay safe around these gentle giants can make your journey more enjoyable and keep both you and the gorillas safe.
Are Gorillas Aggressive and Dangerous?
Gorillas may look big and powerful, but they are usually calm and gentle animals. They rarely show aggression unless they feel threatened. Most of the time, gorillas prefer to go about their day eating plants, playing, or resting. But even though they are generally peaceful, they can become aggressive in some situations. This is especially true for adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks.
Silverbacks are the leaders of the group. They protect other members, such as the females and young ones. If a silverback thinks something is a threat, whether it’s another gorilla or a human, he may react to defend his group. Silverbacks have strong, muscular bodies and long, sharp teeth. If they decide to attack, they can cause serious harm. But it’s important to remember that they usually only become aggressive if they feel they or their group are in danger.
When Do Gorillas Become Aggressive?
Gorillas try to avoid conflict whenever possible. They usually become aggressive in situations where they need to protect their family or territory. Here are a few instances when gorillas might show aggression:
Protecting Their Family: Gorillas live in groups called troops or families. These groups are led by a silverback, and the leader is very protective of his family. If the silverback thinks his family is at risk, he might act aggressively to defend them. This can happen if another silverback tries to take over his group or if a human comes too close to the family.
Defending Their Territory: Gorillas are territorial animals, which means they have a specific area in the forest that they consider their home. If they think someone is invading their territory, they may try to scare the intruder away. The silverback might start by making loud noises, tearing down plants, and standing up tall. If this doesn’t work, he might beat his chest or even charge toward the intruder. This is his way of saying, “Stay away from my home!”
Fighting With Other Gorillas: Sometimes, two silverbacks might fight over control of a group. When this happens, the fight can be intense and dangerous. Silverbacks use their strength and teeth to fight, and these battles can sometimes result in serious injuries. Even though these fights are rare, they show how strong and dangerous gorillas can be when they are upset.
Protecting Their Young: Female gorillas are also very protective of their babies. If they think someone is trying to harm their infants, they may become aggressive. The mother might try to move her baby away from danger or call for the silverback to protect them.
Can Habituated Gorillas Become Dangerous?
In the wild, gorillas don’t usually pose a danger to humans. Most incidents where gorillas have attacked people have happened in zoos or places where they are kept away from their natural habitat. Wild gorillas are more likely to stay away from humans than to attack them. However, this can change if the gorillas are habituated.
Habituation is a process where wild animals, like gorillas, get used to being around humans. It takes time, patience, and a lot of care. During habituation, researchers and guides spend time with the gorillas every day until the gorillas start to feel comfortable around people. This process is important because it allows tourists to visit the gorillas safely. When gorillas are habituated, they are less likely to see humans as a threat, and they might act calm even when people are nearby.
Countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo offer opportunities to see habituated gorillas in the wild. While these gorillas are usually friendly, it’s still important to be cautious. Even a habituated gorilla can become dangerous if it feels threatened or scared. This is why tourists are always advised to follow the rules and listen to their guides during gorilla treks.
How to Avoid Gorilla Attacks
To stay safe around gorillas, it’s important to understand their body language and know what to do if a gorilla starts showing signs of aggression. Here are a few tips on how to avoid making gorillas feel threatened:
Watch Their Behavior: If a gorilla starts acting agitated, it might be a sign that you are too close. Agitated behavior can include beating its chest, tearing down plants, or making loud noises. If you see these signs, it’s best to move away slowly and give the gorilla more space.
Don’t Stare at Them: In the gorilla world, staring can be seen as a challenge. If you look directly into a gorilla’s eyes, it might think you are trying to pick a fight. Instead, keep your eyes lowered and avoid making direct eye contact.
Stay Calm and Quiet: If a gorilla charges at you, the best thing to do is stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Don’t run, as this might make the gorilla more aggressive. Instead, crouch down slowly and look away. This shows the gorilla that you are not a threat.
Avoid Flash Photography: Flashlights and flash photography can startle gorillas and make them feel uncomfortable. If you want to take pictures, make sure your camera’s flash is turned off.
Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Guides are trained to understand gorilla behavior and know how to react in different situations. Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions carefully. If your guide tells you to move back or stay still, do exactly as they say.
Gorilla Trekking and Safety Concerns
Gorilla trekking is an incredible experience that allows you to see these amazing animals up close. But it’s important to remember that gorillas are wild animals, and safety should always come first. Here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind:
Keep a Safe Distance: When you are trekking, keep at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) away from the gorillas. This distance helps keep both you and the gorillas safe. Getting too close can make the gorillas feel threatened and can also put you at risk of getting diseases that gorillas might carry.
Don’t Try to Touch the Gorillas: Even if the gorillas come close to you, resist the urge to touch them. Gorillas are strong and unpredictable, and touching them can be dangerous.
Speak Softly and Move Slowly: Loud noises and sudden movements can startle gorillas. Speak softly and avoid making any fast or jerky movements while you are near them.
Don’t Eat or Drink Near Gorillas: Eating or drinking in front of gorillas can make them curious and cause them to approach you. It’s better to keep your food and drinks packed away until you are safely out of the gorilla’s area.
