Are Gorillas Dangerous? The countries in West, Central, and East Africa that are homes to various gorillas, so they benefit greatly from the revenue they bring in. The question “How dangerous are gorillas?” is one that comes up frequently for travelers who encounter these massive animals in their natural habitats. Before seeing the mountain gorillas in Africa, this is a common concern among tourists. Well! Yes, I do think it is risky to get too close to these critically endangered gorilla species, and yes, I do think gorillas can be aggressive to humans if they feel threatened.
The fact that gorillas share 98 percent of their DNA with humans only serves to further prove that they are more akin to us than any other mammal. Gorillas are generally social animals who will only attack humans if they feel threatened.
There has been a small number of fatalities among humans due to close encounters with gorillas over the years. A review of gorilla-human conflict conducted in 2012 found that only three attacks by gorillas occurred before the year 2000. Gorillas are not dangerous animals until they feel threatened, according to the vast majority of primatologists and environmentalists. A gorilla will make threats first if it feels threatened. A gorilla may respond to a human ignoring its threat display by pounding, scratching, barking, biting, or charging.
According to Ian Redmond, a primatologist who worked closely with Dian Fossey in Rwanda for three years in the 1970s, there have been documented examples of gorillas assaulting and even murdering people, but such occurrences are rare, and humans are invariably to fault in most cases.
According to a study on human-wildlife conflict from 2009, a silverback gorilla attacked a poacher in Cameroon’s Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary. The gorilla attacked while the man was laying traps. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, humans and apes had fought before, but only when gorillas raided the grain farms of surrounding farmers. There were no fatalities, though.
Important training for visitors on how to act respectfully around gorillas is required. It is possible for humans to encounter a group of gorillas and walk away unscathed.
Tourists on a safari while visiting Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo often get guidance on the protocols and laws associated during the gorilla trekking safari. So the gorilla trekkers must rigorously adhere to these guidelines to prevent any occurrences that can upset the gorillas.
When properly acclimated, wild gorillas pose no threat to humans. Training a gorilla to be comfortable with humans, known as “habituation,” can take several years. Gorillas that have been habituated through extensive interaction with researchers, guides, and animal behaviorists tend to be friendly and accustomed to human presence. It is common knowledge that tourists can observe numerous habituated gorilla groups in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on any given day.
Keep your cool, kneel down, and avoid making eye contact with the gorilla if you ever find yourself in that dreadful situation. There is hope for you to escape this terrible position if you just follow these easy steps.
Where can you find gorillas today?Â
Tourists can pay $700 to go gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, $1500 to go gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, or $450 to trek gorillas in the Congo.
When is the Best Time to do gorilla trekking safari.Â
Trekking the gorillas is best done during the peak seasons. Long dry months characterize the peak season, making it simpler to trek through the jungles in search of gorillas. January and February, as well as June, July, August, September, and December, are among the busiest months.
Finally, tourists should be aware that gorillas, and particularly silverbacks, are extremely territorial and will do everything in their ability to protect their territory. Remember that you are in their territory and should act accordingly when gorilla trekking safari in the jungle. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a wonderful time interacting with these magnificent animals.