What to do when a gorilla charges on you while trekking

What to do when a gorilla charges on you while trekking : Even though gorillas share 98% of human DNA, they are still considered wildlife, and care must be given around them. Although the groups you may encounter on your walk are used to one another, remember that they are still wild animals and that conditions can change.

Here are some things you should do in case a gorilla charges at you.

Examine the gorilla’s actions.

When a gorilla gets upset, it may scream aloud and pound, jump, or slap the ground. Curious gorillas will simply grip or tug on your clothing.

Remain composed and avoid reacting.

It’s only natural for someone to shout at this time in order to agitate the gorillas.

Be obedient.

Try your best not to stare directly into the eyes of gorillas; they detest having their eyes stared at.

Make yourself as tiny of a target as you can by crouching down.

Make an effort to shrink so that the gorilla won’t feel threatened. Anything that questions the gorillas’ authority makes them fearful.

Remain silent.

Severe biting, hammering, or tearing with the gorilla’s hands are possible during an attack. If it seems like the gorilla is trying to hurt you, don’t actively oppose or defend yourself: This behavior will be interpreted as menacing, and it might launch a more potent attack.

Groom

If the gorilla has you grasped, start loudly smacking your lips and “grooming” its arm. Because primates are meticulous groomers, caring for the gorilla in this way could gently divert it.

Move your grooming hand carefully to the gorilla’s hand as its grasp loosens, paying close attention to any dirt or leaf fragments on the gorilla.

Stay motionless and silent until the gorilla gets bored or assistance comes.

Do not attempt to take the gorillas’ hands off of you if they are surrounding you. A fully developed human is far weaker than a gorilla. Though you could try, you are unable to remove them, and this would make it feel challenged, which will lead to issues.

Even though the gorilla charges at you, you can be sure that you will enjoy Rwanda safaris and excursions that include gorilla tracking by adhering to the previously described measures.