What to do when a gorilla Charges? Safety Tips
Whereas it’s a rare occurrence, gorillas can charge, especially when they feel any kind of threat or are uncomfortable. Travellers should therefore be aware of what to do when a gorilla charges. Well, Wild Travel Safaris brings you gorilla trekking safety guidelines, why gorillas charge, different ways of charging and what to do when a gorilla charges at you. A close encounter with gorillas in the wild is rated among the most incredible and life-changing experiences in the world.
Whereas habituated gorillas are comfortable and used with people being around them, the endangered primates remain wild animals which get threatened at times, forcing them to charge at anything they feel is a threat. Understanding how to behave in such a moment is essential for your safety and the well-being of the gorilla family.
Why Gorillas Charge
As said earlier, mountain gorillas charge and try to attack human beings. This is a very rare incident, and the following are the reasons why the endangered primates charge. They include;
Protection of the Family
Silverback gorilla charging. In most cases, a silverback gorilla charges as an act of protecting his family from any threats or danger. If a silverback gorilla feels something is a threat, such as unusual movements, loud noise or something coming so close to the infants, he charges to scare the threats and create dominance.
Stress or Discomfort
At times, gorillas feel stressed by people, especially those who make sudden movements and actions. The gorillas can feel tension and uncomfortable, forcing them to charge. Travellers are reminded to observe and respect the trekking guidelines to avoid putting gorillas under stress.
Miscommunication
Since mountain gorillas communicate amongst themselves using body language, any miscommunication from people is a threat. For example, if a traveller unknowingly beats his/her chest, the silverback may feel threatened and charge to show aggression.
Surprise Encounters
If a trekking group accidentally surprises a gorilla at close range, it may charge instinctively to assert control.
Types of Gorilla Charges
Bluff Charge
Gorilla trekking safety tips. Bluff charging is the most common type of gorilla charging. Here, the silverback will beat his chest, vocalise loudly, throw vegetation, run toward you and stop suddenly. Bluff charging is mainly to warn people to respect boundaries. The act is just to scare!
Full Charge
This is a very typical type of charging where gorillas directly contact people or any other thing threatening them to fight it back. The act is so rare, especially with habituated gorillas. Fortunately, gorilla park ranger guides are trained to read gorilla behaviour and can therefore warn clients to move away before the situation worsens.
What to Do When a Gorilla Charges
Travellers are cautioned on what to do when gorillas charge! The most recommended thing to do is to stay calm and do the right thing to avoid worsening he situation.
Stay Still and Avoid Running
When a gorilla charges, stay calm and never try to run away. Staying calm confirms to the gorillas that you are not a threat and do not intend to do any harm to them. Running away will trigger the gorillas to chase you, thinking you wanted to cause harm to them.
Make Yourself Small and Non-Threatening
Try to shrink yourself and crouch down slowly to lower your profile. This tells the gorilla you are not a rival or threat. Also, avoid eye contact, as staring directly at the gorillas.
Follow Your Guide’s Instructions Immediately
How to prevent gorillas from charging. Endeavour to pay attention and follow the guidelines of the ranger guides. These people know gorilla language and know what to do when they charge. Always stay behind the guide, listen to their commands and avoid acting on instinct. At times, rangers may mimic the behaviours and languages of gorillas to calm them.
Do Not Shout or Make Sudden Movements
Do not make any loud noises, waving arms, or jerky movements since these can provoke the wild gorillas. Maintain slow, deliberate motions if you must adjust your position.
Submit to the Gorilla’s Dominance
Charging is an act of gorillas trying to show dominance. Travellers are therefore reminded to submit by lowering their head, keeping their arms close to their body and generally showing a submissive posture.
Do Not Touch the Gorilla
If a gorilla reaches out or brushes past you, remain still. Touching him—even in panic—can escalate the encounter.
How to Prevent Gorillas from Charging
Travellers are encouraged to do everything possible to avoid gorillas from charging. At the start of the gorilla trek, travellers are first briefed on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and how to avoid gorilla charging.
These include
- Keep a Safe Distance (7–10 meters): Endeavour to keep a distance from gorillas to avoid close encounters. The recommended distance is 7- 10 meters away. Coming so close to the gorillas, especially the infants, is a big threat which forces silverback gorillas to charge in defence of the young ones.
- Stay Quiet and Calm: Soft conversation and slow movement help gorillas feel comfortable.
- Respect Their Space: Never surround the gorillas or block their paths.
- Avoid Flash Photography: Do not use flash photography since gorillas fear light and cause agitation.
- Move as a Group: Straying from the group can surprise a gorilla and lead to a charge.
How to book gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda
Ready to embark on your Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking tour? Superfine Safaris Limited is your trusted gorilla tour guide. We offer customised gorilla tour packages to Bwindi Forest and the Virunga conservation Area at affordable rates. Contact us, let us know your travel interests, and we shall tailor-make a suitable trip for your budget.
Conclusively, gorilla trekking remains one of the best wildlife experiences worth the energy and time. Travellers are cautioned about gorilla charging and how to deal with the situation when it happens.
