Conquering a Gorilla Encounter – Smart Approaches and Insights
What to do if a gorilla attacks you — What to do if a gorilla approaches you — What happens if you smile at a gorilla — Gorilla attack on human — How to show a gorilla respect — Why do gorillas turn their backs to humans — Gorilla charging — Has a gorilla ever killed a human
Gorillas are gentle and serene primates, often misjudged as aggressive despite their true nature.
Mountain gorillas will engage with humans or other animals only when they feel threatened and uneasy about their surroundings.
How to Endure Encounters with Gorillas
Exploring the wonders of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorillas possess immense strength and are fiercely protective of their families. When they detect any sign of danger, they spring into action, beating their chests and emitting loud grunts, standing tall on their hind legs.
If the intruder fails to retreat after these alerts, a gorilla may respond with fierce scratches, biting, powerful strikes, and could even seize someone by the hand or leg to pull them away.
Here are some strategies to help you navigate a gorilla encounter if they come charging your way:
1. Stroll away with purpose
Mountain gorillas may occasionally charge when they sense insecurity during the observation hour while trekking through their habitat.
Visitors are encouraged to gradually retreat and move away calmly from the gorilla encounter.
It is unwise to flee from an aggressive gorilla, as they will pursue you with intent to attack, and no person can successfully confront and overcome a mountain gorilla.
2. Lowering oneself
It’s wise to crouch down when a mountain gorilla is charging at you.
To encounter a mountain gorilla, you must crouch low and shrink your presence.
When a mountain gorilla senses that you’re not a threat, they will relax and pose no danger to you.
3. Adhere to the guidelines and protocols for gorilla trekking
To ensure a safe experience with mountain gorillas, it is essential to adhere to the rules and regulations of the gorilla trekking safari.
Your guide ranger will provide essential advice on what to do and what to avoid when encountering mountain gorillas, ensuring your safety in case of an unexpected encounter.
4. Embrace Your Inner Ape
One of the ways to navigate a mountain gorilla encounter is by mimicking gorilla behavior when a charged gorilla approaches you.
Engage in the experience by mimicking the act of chewing on plants, gathering leaves, resting on the earth, and snapping twigs.
Imagine stepping into the shoes of a forest inhabitant, where a gorilla might just lose its urge to confront you.
5. Flash your smile
Mountain gorillas can occasionally confront humans in close proximity.
If retreating and crouching is not an option, it is recommended for visitors to bare their teeth at an agitated gorilla and try to let out a scream.
This might send the gorilla running, believing you are just another wild gorilla in the midst of the jungle.
6. Avoid making direct eye contact with gorillas.
For reasons that remain a mystery, mountain gorillas tend to avoid direct eye contact.
If they approach, it is best to steer clear of direct eye contact with the gorillas and act as though you are not too captivated by them.
This will help them find their peace.
7. Maintain a safe distance from gorillas
Visitors are encouraged to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from mountain gorillas.
Gorillas are wild animals that you should not touch, unless they approach you or make contact on their own without any danger involved.
Approaching these apes can lead to an exhilarating encounter, as they may charge at you.
In summary, mountain gorillas typically refrain from attacking humans unless provoked, and they consistently issue warnings before they charge.
To navigate a mountain gorilla encounter safely, it is essential to adhere to the trekking rules and regulations provided during the briefing, as well as to follow the park ranger’s guidance while in the company of these magnificent creatures.
