What to do if a Gorilla Charges at You

In spite of their bad rap, mountain gorillas are generally gentle, calm, and peaceful Great Apes trying to live normal lives in their natural habitats and their anger usually happens when caught between a rock and a hard place. However, you still need to know how to react in case they charge you. Before knowing what to do if a gorilla charges at you, it is crucial to first have an understanding of what makes the gorillas charge;

When a wild silverback tries to take over a habituated gorilla family

Anger, exhibited through chest beating and charging is common among silverback gorillas when faced by wild gorillas intending to take over habituated gorilla families. In most cases, the new silverback will become aggressive and because other members wish to make him happy, they are most likely to be aggressive as well.

Keeping stern and constant direct eye contact with the mountain gorillas

In our World, maintaining direct eye contact while communicating means confidence and being honest but this is different in the World of Mountain gorillas. These Great Apes perceive it as trying to challenge them and before you notice, they are already charging. These creatures are surprisingly shy and rarely stare directly into the eyes of humans and even if you unintentionally look into their eyes, it is advisable to quickly look away without drawing attention.

Loud noise when observing and taking photos of the gorillas

One of the guidelines issued to visitors is to always keep voices low while searching and spending time in the presence of these gentle beasts. This not only scares them but is also likely to make them angry, hence charging because you are interrupting their peace and normal routines.

Taking a longer time in their presence

It would surprise you but gorillas get irritated when visitors take a long time in their presence. Did you know that familiarity breeding contempt also applies to the Great Apes? For this reason, one hour is the maximum time that you should spend in the presence of gorillas, but this time is sometimes cut short when they become angry.

Visiting mountain gorillas in crowds

The maximum number of visitors allocated for each habituated gorilla family is strictly eight plus one Ranger guide and anything beyond that is considered a crowd. This is likely to scare the mountain gorillas who will be forced to hide in the dense vegetation.

Other common causes of gorilla charging include; use of flash cameras for photography, wearing brightly-colored clothes, making abrupt and unexpected movements, when the gorilla family is not frequently trekked after completing habituation process and coming closer than the recommended distance of 7 meters, to mention but a few.

Having understood the circumstances that make gorillas to charge, it’s not time to delve into the different things you can do if the gorilla Charges at you. They include;

Follow the guidelines of the Guides

Prior to entering into the jungles to search for the mountain gorillas, visitors are first briefed on the rules and protocols to be followed while trekking or when in the presence of these beautiful creatures and thereafter assigned Ranger Rangers to guide them through the gorilla trekking adventures. These Rangers are experts in what they do and will be able to notice any changes in gorilla behavior, especially when they are likely to begin charging. If the Guide says to look away, end the gorilla encounter, and walk away, it is recommended to abide for your own safety.

Crouch down and submit

Usually, gorilla charging is followed by standing on their hind legs, making them larger and more terrifying. When this happens, it is advisable to squat down and appear smaller as well as submissive towards the Great Apes. To the gorilla, it is obvious that you are submissive and not trying to challenge them thus they won’t become aggressive.

Slowly walk away

Despite the temptation and fear of gorilla charging, it is not advisable to run away but instead walk away slowly. This is a usually a difficult situation with few visitors passing this test and it is one of the reasons why young children aren’t allowed to trek the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. If you ever do the mistake of running, be prepared for gorilla attacks because you will be seen as a big threat to their existence.

Act like a gorilla

When in Rome, do as the Romans, and when mountain gorillas charge, act like them to blend in and try to show that you are one of them. You can do so by pretending to be eating vegetation while looking away to avoid further irritating them.

Maintain the recommended distance

It is recommended for visitors to maintain a minimum viewing distance of 7 meters from the Giant Apes. Getting closer to them isn’t allowed, owing to the fact that they are still wild animals regardless of habituation status. You will notice young gorillas playing close to you but if it happens, slowly move back while keeping in mind the minimum distance.

Completely avoid direct eye contact

The mountain gorillas perceive direct eye contact as trying to challenge them and in case they begin charging because of this mistake, it is advisable to look away or up. In so doing, the gorillas will realize that you are actually not a threat to their existence thus withdraw.