Before undertaking the mesmerizing mountain gorilla trekking, most first-time travelers ask “are gorillas dangerous?” Lately, there has been a surge in gorilla trips but the question of tourist safety has always been of great concern. From hyenas, African wild dogs, leopards to the gruesome lions, Africa is known for its menacing predators, but the mountain gorillas definitely are not one of them.
Mountain gorilla treks are conducted in a unique manner, with trained and armed ranger guides leading groups (of 8 tourists) through the dense jungles to search for a habituated gorilla group. Habituation in this case means the process of slowly and carefully exposing mountain gorillas to humans in the wild, although caution still has to be followed when in their presence. Visitors are first briefed on the guidelines to follow when trekking, in the presence of mountain gorillas and what to do in case of unpredictable events in the jungles. Therefore the mountain gorillas trekked by visitors are used or let’s say comfortable with human presence (tourists and guides) on a daily basis thus making treks safer.
These Great Ape species are close relatives to humans, sharing at least 98.2% DNA and have nose prints similar to each individual gorilla, just like fingerprints unique to each human being. They have outstanding social structures, living in groups of 4-30 individuals. Additionally, these endangered species are herbivores and are shy, calm and reserved. A normal day for a gorilla group includes foraging, playing, mating, resting as well as caring/nursing infants. Even with their huge body sizes, mountain gorillas are peaceful and not aggressive towards humans.
They only charge and attack when they feel threatened and the dominant silverback usually reacts with groaning and bluffing charges. He then runs straight to the threat with high speed and stops in front of him/her, at times at a distance of about 1 meter and if the threat (person) submits by crouching down, he will become at ease. However if you run or become tougher towards him, he will become even more provoked. In rare occasions do mountain gorillas become aggressive towards each other, for instance when subordinate silverbacks try to take group members to form their own groups/families, when they encounter other groups/families and when external threats are perceived from predators or even humans (especially poachers).
Unfortunately, mountain gorillas have continuously become victims of deforestation, habitat loss, poaching and civil wars. So, are Gorillas dangerous? On the whole, the answer is “NO”. They are generally peaceful and only attack poachers who they feel are threat to their lives.
How to avoid gorilla attacks?
To avoid gorilla attacks, submit by crouching down when they charge by beating their chests. Avoid using flash cameras for photography because they make gorillas insecure and call for aggressiveness. Staring direct into their eyes or imitating them are some of the things to avoid when in the presence of Mountain gorillas. A minimum distance of 7 meters has to be maintained when watching mountain gorillas and avoid touching them and even when they come closer (especially the playful infants), slowly move back. At this point it should be clear to you and have answered the question, Are Gorillas Dangerous?
Mountain gorillas are found in only four locations-Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Virunga National Park (in the Democratic Republic of Congo), Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks (in Uganda). Their current world population in the wild stands at 1063 individuals and over 40 habituated gorilla groups to be trekked. With gorilla permits costing $400, $700 and $1500, you can trek gorillas from Congo, Uganda and Rwanda respectively.
