A Wild Gorilla Shares a Gentle Hug with Hiker (Could Have Been Much Worse)

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Uganda is the ability to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most intriguing animals, including gorillas. 

Throughout the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, local experts lead small groups of visitors into the national park to observe troops of gorillas. These expeditions are a great way for tourists to experience the wildlife without posing additional risks to the animals.

While most of these trips are relatively safe, there are some encounters with the wild gorillas that turn from fun to slightly frightening. A recent video shows a small group of explorers walking through the bush with a guide when they stumble upon a troop of gorillas. The expert motions for everyone to stay still and quiet so as not to spook the animals. 

However, one of the creatures had other plans as it made its way into the group and sat beside one of the visitors. The encounter remained peaceful throughout the video, and after a gentle hug from the primate, it decided to move on from the humans. Even though this encounter was a sweet moment shared between a human and an animal, it could have been a lot worse. 

In the following sections, we’ll explore the typical aggression levels of gorillas and discuss what to do if you encounter a wild gorilla during an exploration. 

How Aggressive Are Gorillas? 

Despite their immense strength, gorillas are generally peaceful creatures and will only display aggressive behaviors if they feel threatened. Even in their social structure, most members place a higher value on communication and cooperation than on violence. 

The one exception to their peaceful ways is when young gorillas are involved. If there is immediate danger to the troop or babies, then gorillas can become highly aggressive and protective. 

Who Would Win in a Bare-Handed Fight Between a Gorilla and a Human?

As humans, we tend to think we can outsmart any animal. However, intelligence is only part of the equation when considering a bare-handed fight with a gorilla. 

While humans are equipped with a high-level intellect and dexterity, a gorilla’s raw physical strength far surpasses that of a human. In a fight with no weapons, the gorilla’s powerful arms, jaw strength, and muscular build would give it a significant advantage. 

Truthfully, the only way a human could win is if it was able to create distance from the gorilla and plan a trap. Even then, it would be a difficult task for a single human to win a fight against a gorilla. 

What Should You Do When Encountering a Wild Gorilla?

Whether in a group or traveling through a forest solo, coming across a wild gorilla can be an intense encounter. These magnificent creatures are extremely powerful and can be intimidating if you haven’t encountered one before. The good news is that most gorillas are usually peaceful toward humans and only react aggressively if they feel provoked. 

Below are five important strategies to follow to ensure you and the gorilla have a safe and memorable encounter.

Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements

As with any encounter with a wild animal, remaining calm is crucial to prevent negative experiences. 

Gorillas can sense fear or tension, so staying composed will make you appear non-threatening and put the creature at ease. It’s also important to avoid sudden movements like jerking your arm away or trying to run. All of these actions could trigger the gorilla’s chase instincts, causing the animal to behave aggressively.

Do Not Approach the Gorilla

While it may seem challenging to control the urge to get closer, it’s critical not to approach a wild gorilla. Even if they are friendly or curious and approach you, not moving is often the best course of action. 

Getting too close to a gorilla could lead to defensive behavior from the troop’s dominant males or cause the animal to feel crowded. 

Avoid Eye Contact

Unlike our society, where eye contact is seen as a sign of respect, gorillas view the behavior as a sign of aggression and an invitation to fight. To prevent any misunderstanding, it’s important to avoid direct eye contact and focus on the gorilla’s body language. 

If you find yourself in a position where you must look at the animal, try to do it peripherally and avoid staring. 

Move Slowly and Back Away

Maintaining a safe distance is crucial for a safe encounter with wild gorillas. If one of the animals moves close to you, try to back away slowly. Since quick and abrupt movements may spook the gorilla, you’ll want to maintain a calm demeanor as you move.

If the gorilla seems agitated or moves toward you again, back away even more cautiously and avoid turning your back at all costs. 

Know When to Seek Shelter or Hide

In the worst-case scenario where a gorilla displays signs of aggression like loud vocalizations, chest-beating, or charging, it’s important to have an escape plan. If possible, seeking shelter in an enclosed area is often the best. But if you’re out in the open, attempting to hide behind a large object like a tree can be a good option, too.