What to do when a Gorilla Charges at you? Encountering a gorilla in its natural habitat is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences available to humans. These magnificent great apes, our close evolutionary cousins, are generally peaceful and gentle creatures despite their imposing size and strength. However, when a gorilla feels threatened or needs to assert dominance, it may charge at perceived intruders. Understanding how to respond in such a situation can mean the difference between a safe encounter and a dangerous one. Most gorilla charges are actually bluff displays—intimidation tactics designed to scare away threats rather than to cause harm. Knowing the proper protocol and remaining calm are essential to ensuring both your safety and the well-being of these endangered animals.
Understanding Gorilla Behavior
Before discussing what to do during a charge, it’s important to understand why gorillas charge in the first place. Gorillas are highly social animals that live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male. The silverback’s primary responsibility is protecting his family from perceived threats. When humans enter their territory, gorillas may view this as a potential danger to their group, especially if young gorillas are present.
Gorilla charges are predominantly defensive rather than offensive. They serve as a warning system and a display of strength. The silverback is essentially communicating: “You are too close, and I am powerful enough to protect my family.” In the vast majority of cases, if you respond appropriately by showing submission and respect, the gorilla will recognize that you are not a threat and will back down without making physical contact.
Key Steps to Take During a Gorilla Charge
Do Not Run
The most critical rule when facing a charging gorilla is to resist every instinct telling you to flee. Running triggers the gorilla’s natural chase instinct, transforming what might be a bluff charge into an actual pursuit. Gorillas are incredibly fast and powerful, capable of reaching speeds between 20 and 25 miles per hour through dense forest terrain where humans would struggle to move quickly. You simply cannot outrun a gorilla, and attempting to do so will only escalate the situation and potentially provoke an attack that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred.
Crouch Down Slowly
Making yourself appear smaller and less threatening is essential. Slowly lower yourself into a crouching position, keeping your movements deliberate and non-sudden. This posture communicates to the gorilla that you acknowledge its superiority and are not challenging its authority. In gorilla social dynamics, size and posture convey status and intent. By making yourself small, you’re essentially telling the silverback that you recognize him as the dominant individual in this encounter and that you pose no threat to his position or his family.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact
In gorilla communication, prolonged direct eye contact is interpreted as a direct challenge or sign of aggression. When a gorilla charges, avert your gaze by looking down or to the side. This is perhaps one of the most difficult instincts to override, as humans naturally want to keep potential threats in their line of sight. However, maintaining eye contact with a charging gorilla can transform a bluff charge into a genuine attack. Keep the gorilla in your peripheral vision if possible, but do not stare directly at it, especially into its eyes.
Remain Calm and Quiet
Panic is your enemy in this situation. Avoid screaming, shouting, or making any sudden movements that could startle the gorilla or be interpreted as aggressive behavior. Control your breathing and try to maintain a composed demeanor despite the fear you may be experiencing. Gorillas are highly intelligent and perceptive animals that can read body language and emotional states. Your calm, submissive behavior helps reassure the gorilla that you are not a threat.
Act Submissive
Submission is the key to de-escalating a gorilla charge. The silverback wants to feel that his display of dominance has been acknowledged and that his superiority is recognized. By combining all the previous steps—crouching, avoiding eye contact, remaining still and quiet—you create a complete picture of submission that satisfies the gorilla’s need to protect his family and assert his dominance without resorting to violence.
Follow Your Guide’s Instructions
If you are on an organized gorilla trek, you will be accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers who have extensive training in gorilla behavior and emergency protocols. These professionals know how to read the subtle signs of gorilla communication and can assess the seriousness of the charge. Follow their instructions immediately and without question. They may ask you to stand completely still. Or they might tell you to move back slowly. In addition, they could give you other clear steps to follow. This will all depend on what they see happening at the time.
Walk Away Steadily When Advised
Once the immediate threat has passed and the gorilla has calmed down, your guide will determine when it’s safe to increase the distance between you and the animal. If instructed to retreat, do so slowly and steadily, backing away one careful step at a time. Continue to avoid direct eye contact and maintain your submissive posture until you have reached a safe distance. Never turn your back on the gorilla or make sudden movements during this withdrawal.
The “Grooming” Technique
In rare circumstances where a gorilla actually makes physical contact by grabbing your hand or arm, do not pull away suddenly. This advanced technique involves slowly and gently grooming or rubbing the gorilla’s hand to demonstrate submission and non-aggression. This mimics gorilla social bonding behavior and can help defuse the situation. However, this should only be done if the gorilla initiates contact, and ideally under the guidance of experienced rangers.
Preventing Gorilla Charges
Prevention is always preferable to managing a charge. When participating in gorilla trekking experiences, strict guidelines exist to minimize the risk of charges and ensure positive interactions:
Maintain the recommended minimum distance of approximately seven meters (23 feet) from gorillas at all times. This buffer zone helps the gorillas feel comfortable and reduces their perception of threat. Avoid using flash photography, as sudden bright flashes can startle and agitate gorillas. Keep noise levels low—do not shout, argue with other trekkers, or make loud, sudden sounds. Wear neutral or muted clothing colors rather than bright, attention-grabbing hues. Most importantly, never attempt to touch gorillas or their young, regardless of how approachable they may seem.
Conclusion
While the prospect of a gorilla charge can be frightening, understanding that most charges are theatrical displays rather than genuine attacks should provide some comfort. By respecting these magnificent animals, following established guidelines, responding appropriately to their communication signals, and trusting in the expertise of trained guides, you can safely experience the wonder of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The key principles—don’t run, act submissive, avoid eye contact, remain calm, and follow expert guidance—will serve you well in the unlikely event that you face a charging gorilla.
