Are Gorillas Dangerous Species?
Are Gorillas Dangerous Species?
Are Gorillas Dangerous Species? Mountain gorillas are one of the most thrilling animals one can encounter while on an African safari. While on a gorilla trekking safari, observing these gentle primates is often called life-changing. Therefore, tourists planning a Uganda safari always question themselves the question, Are mountain gorillas dangerous?
The answer to this is that the mountain gorillas are generally gentle and peaceful animals. Besides them being strong and able to appear intimidating because of their size, they are too gentle. Therefore, the gorillas are too calm and nonaggressive when treated with respect.
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla most especially known as Gorilla beringei beringei. They are only found in a few protected areas in East Africa, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes National Park.
The national parks are among the top safari destinations for the gorilla trekking safari and they captivate many tourists each year searching for an unforgettable African safari. The mountain gorillas are known for being social animals that live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male. Their day-to-day lives rotate around resting, grooming, caring for young gorillas and feeding.
ARE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS AGGRESSIVE
Mountain gorillas are not aggressive to human beings. The families that are visited during the Uganda safari are fully habituated; that is, they have gone through a gradual exposure to humans under the supervision of researchers and park rangers.
Habituation of these endangered mountain gorillas helps them to be more comfortable with human beings without changing their behavior. This makes it safe for tourists on a gorilla trekking safari to observe the gorillas at a close range.
Many of the gorilla encounters in the rainforests are more serene and peaceful. Tourists witness the gorillas feeding quietly, babies being carried by their mothers, young gorillas playing and the silverback gorilla overseeing its family. All these moments create more emotional and unforgettable experiences while on an African safari. Tourists are always surprised by how gorillas look like humans and this is so because they share 98% of human DNA; expressions, emotions and social interactions can feel so familiar.
When can a mountain gorilla become dangerous
Even though the endangered mountain gorillas are peaceful by nature, they are still wild animals and can be more dangerous under some circumstances. While on a wildlife safari, respecting the mountain gorillas and following the guide’s instructions is really important. The mountain gorilla can react aggressively if
- It feels threatened
- Tourists moving more close
- In case of sudden and loud movements
- Tourists behaving disrespectfully
- In case the silver back senses that his family is in danger
The silverback gorilla is the head of the family and is responsible for protecting the other members. With the above situations, the gorilla may show warning behaviors that intend to push away threats rather than cause harm. The gorilla can show warnings such as
- Loud chest beating
- Loud vocalizations or grunts
- Charging towards trekkers
- Slapping the vegetation
- Throwing branches or leaves
Such behavior can tend to be dramatic while on a gorilla trekking safari but they are usually defensive warnings rather than real attacks. Physical attacks on tourists are rare due to the fact that the gorilla trekking activity is highly managed and supervised by experienced ranger guides and trekkers. The calm character of tourists plays an important role in avoiding tension during encounters on an African safari.
WHEN CAN A MOUNTAIN GORILLA SEEM TO BE DANGEROUS
At the first sight, the mountain gorillas can appear to be intimidating most especially when tourists are experiencing their first gorilla trekking safari while on a Uganda safari. their big size, muscular bodies and powerful presence in the dense rainforest can make them to look so harmful and dangerous. Adult silverbacks which are the dominant males in the gorilla family can weigh over 180 kilograms and have physical strength that can exceed that of the human beings.
While on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes, tourists are advised to stand a few meters away from the fully grown silverback, which feels so excited and overwhelmed. The sound of a dominant silverback beating its chest can resound through the forest and it’s frequently used as a sign of dominance and communication within the group.
Although the endangered mountain gorillas appear to be powerful, they are naturally shy, calm and peaceful animals. They tend to avoid any conflict and prefer having quiet interactions within their families. Therefore, in many cases, the mountain gorillas become defensive when they feel threatened. Cornered and provoked. This makes gorilla trekking safaris safe and the most rewarding activity while on an African safari.
What happens when the gorilla charges
The major concern tourists have before the gorilla trekking safari is the possibility of a gorilla charging. The gorilla charging is not common but the gorilla can charge and this is done to intimidate rather than attack. So, when a silverback charges, this is why
- In order to protect its family
- To warn trekkers to keep a distance
- To establish dominance
- Respond to the threats received.
During this moment, the ranger guides stay composed and try to help the tourists to act appropriately. So, tourists are advised to
- Remain calm
- Don’t run
- Stay quiet
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Bend slightly in case the guide instructs you.
Running may make the gorilla chase you as well, so remaining composed is really important while on your African safari.
Mountain Gorillas
Rules of gorilla trekking
- Keep a safe distance
Tourists on a gorilla trekking safari are required to remain at least 7 meters away from the gorillas. This helps to reduce the transmission of diseases because the mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses.
- Avoid sudden movements
Moving so fast or unexpected movements may cause fear among the gorillas. While on the gorilla trekking safari, guides tend to encourage tourists to move slowly and calmly most of the time.
- Don’t look at the gorillas aggressively
Trekkers are advised not to look directly and should avoid prolonged eye contact, which can be seen as a challenge by the gorillas, most especially the dominant silverbacks. Thus, trekkers are advised to observe and respect the gorillas without overstaring at them.
- Remain silent
Tourists are advised to stay quiet or minimize noise, which helps preserve the peaceful environment of the forest. Loud voices tend to disturb the mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.
- Never touch the gorillas
The mountain gorillas can come close to tourists but touching them is strictly prohibited. The physical contact can spread diseases to the mountain gorillas, which makes them uncomfortable.
- Follow the guides instructions
The trekkers are accompanied by experienced rangers who are trained in gorilla behavior as well as safety procedures. Therefore, listening to their instructions is very important for a safe and unforgettable gorilla trekking safari.
