What to Do When a Gorilla Charges

Whereas it’s a rare occurrence, gorillas can charge especially when they feel any kind of threat or uncomfortable.  Travelers should therefore be aware on what to do when a gorilla charges. Well, Superfine Safaris Limited 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 lifetime 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 feeling 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 gorilla charge and try to attach human beings. This is a very rare, the incident and the following are the reasons why the endangered primates charge.  They include

Protection of the Family

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 so something one 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. Travelers are reminded to o serve and respect the trekking guidelines to avoid putting gorillas on tension

Miscommunication

Since mountain gorillas communicate amongst themselves suing body languages, any miscommunication from people is a threat.  For example is a traveler 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, he may charge instinctively to assert control.

Types of Gorilla Charges

Bluff Charge

Bluff charging is the is the most common type of gorilla charging. Here the silverback will beat his chest, vocalize 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 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 behavior’s and can therefore warn clients to move away before the situation worsens

What to Do When a Gorilla Charges

Travelers are cautioned on what to do when gorillas charge! The most recommended thing to do are  to stay calm and do the rightful to  avoid worsening he situation

Stay Still and Avoid Running

When a gorilla charges, stay calm and never ty 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 small your self 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

Endeavour to pay attention and follow the guidelines of 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 act of gorillas trying to show dominance. Travelers are therefore reminded to submit by lowering the head, keep their arms  close to the body and generally show submissive in 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

Travelers are encouraged to do everything possible to avoid gorillas from charging.  At the start of the gorilla trek, travelers are first  briefed on the do 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 force silverback gorillas to charge in defensive of the young ones. 741782165

 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 flashlight cameras since gorilla’s 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 customized gorilla tour packages to Bwindi Forest and the Virunga conservation Area at affordable rates. Contact us, let u s know your travel interests and shall tailor make for you a gorilla tour suitable for your budget

Conclusively, gorilla trekking remains some of the best wildlife experiences worth the energy and time. Travelers are cautioned about gorilla charging and how to  deal with the situation when it happens