What if a gorilla charges, what should I do? This has become one of the areas of concern among trekkers on gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Well, a lot happens in the jungles while you are tracking mountain gorillas but there must be reasons for gorillas to charge at you.
When gorillas charge against you, they express it using various ways. Gorillas can thump their chests, scream loudly and release strong smell, throwing vegetation/plants on you among others. If you witness any of these signs, then it means, these apes are angry. However, this usually happens as a way for these apes to relocate to safer places. They can revenge if the oppression continues.
Some of the reasons why gorillas charge include among others wearing shouting colored clothes, sudden movements, surrounding them, loud noise, if you attempt to touch them, if you get close to a breastfeeding mother.
What should you do when a gorilla charges at you?
Follow what your guide tells you.
Before setting off to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, all visitors are briefed. This is mainly to give you an insight into the set rules and regulations – these are also best referred to as guidelines or gorilla etiquette.
While trekking gorillas, the park guide/park official will keep reminding you about the guidelines. If in any case a gorilla charges at you, the park guides are experienced on how to handle the situation and it is important that you observe their instructions carefully.
Always maintain physical distance from gorillas.
During briefing, the standard physical distance you will be expected to maintain is 8 to 10m. While on a trek to meet mountain gorillas, your guide will remind you to maintain the distance from these apes. Also, touching gorillas is highly prohibited because these apes can translate it as an attack. Besides, this measure is aimed at reducing the spread of human infectious diseases to these endangered species.
Study the behavior of gorillas.
Understanding how gorillas behave is essential. This can help you know how they can express themselves when charged or when they are happy. The easiest way to know charged gorillas is if in any case you see them shout/scream, thump their chests or throw vegetation.
But at times, they can want to draw closer to you without expressing any of the above signs and this means, they need to socialize.
Avoid direct eye contact.
When you encounter a charged gorilla, it is advisable not to keep direct eye contact. You can look the opposite direction or lower down your head. Don’t try to challenge a gorilla, because these apes are naturally stronger than humans.
Stay calm.
Encountering a charged gorilla comes with a lot of fear and higher chances are that you might be tempted to shout/scream. Such actions can only worsen the situation and that is why we advise you to simply calm down. Your experienced guide will be with you and he or she will direct you more.
Steadily walk away.
When you come across a charged gorilla, what comes to someone’s mind first is to run away. But this may not be helpful, so the best you can do is to take one step at a time and ensure no noise is made.
Groom a gorilla’s hand.
When a charged gorilla holds your hand, start as soon as possible to groom it and it will be forced to relax its hand. At the end, it becomes easier for you to remove your hands from that of a gorilla.
