Encountering a gorilla in their natural habitat can be an awe-inspiring experience. These magnificent creatures, shares about 98% of their DNA with humans and are mainly found in rainy forests of Uganda Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Conga. Naturally they are peaceful animals. However, but when you encounter charging gorillas, the situation may change. Learning their behaviors and knowing how to react is crucial to deal with a charging Gorilla.
Understanding Gorilla Behavior/ features – Charging gorillas
Before encountering a charging gorilla, it will be important to understand their natural behavior. Gorillas are generally intelligent and social animals that live in a family setup. They are usually nonaggressive and non-confronting, but they are very strong when charged.
Mountain Gorillas tend to communicate using sign language. So, it is important to understand their language before confronting them. Key behaviors to be aware of include:
Mother and infant gorilla at Bwindi- Charging gorilla
Chest Beating: Silverbacks beats their chest and make loud sounds to show their dominancy when they are charged
Grunting and Hoofing: when discomfortable or want to issue a warning to the intruder, Gorillas grunt and hoof.
Starring: When charged never make a direct eye contact as it will be interpreted as a threat to them.
Aggressive Postures: Not do quick movement or noise when they are charged
What to do when faced with a charging Gorilla
These are the steps you need to follow when fetched with a charging mountain Gorillas.
Stay Calm: Your reaction to the charging gorilla is likely to determine the outcome of the situation.
Take Deep Breaths to release the pressure
Keep Still as further movement might annoy the gorilla more
Do Not Run: Gorillas run faster than human. Running might provoke the gorilla to chase you and certainly if that happen you will not be able to outrun them.
What to do:
Stand Your Ground: staying in one position will show the gorillas that you are not threat to them.
Prepare to Slowly Retreat: Wait for gorilla to stop charging and then retreat slowly without turning your back to them.
A charging gorilla at Mgahinga National Park
Avoid Direct Eye Contact: This is likely to be interpreted as a threat or a challenge.
Lower Your Gaze: Keep your eyes on the ground
Use Peripheral Vision: Never lose the sight of the charging gorilla
Show Submissive Behavior: As we said before gorillas understand sign language. Try to show submissive signs, gorillas will understand that you are not a threat.
Crouch Down: Make yourself smaller by keep your arms close to your body and bend a little down to appear less threatening in their eyes.
Avert Your Gaze: never look directly to the charging gorilla.
Speak Softly: Try to avoid loud voice as this might sound as a threat to gorillas:
Use a Soft Tone: Speak in a calm and soothing manner.
Avoid Screaming: Noise are likely to further provoke gorillas.
Be Prepared for Physical Contact: on some occasions gorillas can make physical contact with an intent of scaring you away. If the happen do the following:
Remain Still: Don’t react back to the attack.
Protect Your Head and Neck: use your arms to protect the risky parts of your body.
Stay Quiet: Do not shout or call for help.
Follow the Lead of Experienced Guides: Gorilla trekking is always led by experienced guide. Follow his advice as he is trained to deal with such situations
Stay Close to the Guide: stay near the guide who has the capacity to deal with the situation.
Listen to Their Commands: follow whatever they say as it will be for your own good
Preventive measure for Charging gorillas
If not provoked, gorillas usually not charge to the visitors.
Here is the list of the preventive measures to gorilla charge.
Maintain a Safe Distance
You are always advised to stay 7 meters away from gorillas during the trek.
Follow Park Regulations: Before the trek you will be briefed on park rule and regulations. Kindly adhere to them
Use Binoculars: Binoculars can be used to observe gorillas from distance without getting into direct contact
Move Slowly and Quietly in front of Charging gorillas
As we have said, sudden movement may threaten the gorillas:
Walk Slowly: Avoid running and making aggressive movement.
Speak Softly: Never shout while in the forest as that will threaten the creatures.
Respect Their Space
These are territorial creatures so they will try to defend their territory in case they feel threatened:
Do Not Approach: don’t get close gorillas
Avoid Surrounding Them: Always stay in on direction and leave a space where they can retreat if they feel to
Observe Group Dynamics: Always watch silverback behavior as is the leader of the family
Identify the Silverback: Silverback is the dominant male in the family/group.
Observe Infant Behavior: Know that the family will always be very protective of the infant so try to stay away from them.
Conclusion on Charging gorillas
Encountering a charging gorilla can be a daunting experience, but understanding their behavior and knowing how to respond can significantly reduce the risk of harm to both you and the gorilla. By staying calm, avoiding direct eye contact, and showing submissive behavior, you can de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. Additionally, adhering to preventative measures and supporting conservation efforts ensures that these majestic creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitats.