How to Survive a Gorilla Attack
Gorillas, the largest primates in the world, can reach six feet in height and weigh over 400 pounds. They are usually very peaceful animals – larger than Coco and smaller than King Kong – but the dominant silver male has the strength of several men and is not afraid to use it to defend his squad.
It is part of the Animal Attacks series by Lifehacker . As capable as we are, bears, snakes, wolves, sharks and even bees can turn a fun day outdoors into a harsh, potentially life-threatening reality check. Here’s what to do when you find yourself face to face with some of the deadliest animals in the open air.
The chances that you will come face to face with a gorilla are slim, even if you live in their natural habitat. They tend to avoid people and go about their business. But if you ever go on a jungle expedition or are worried about falling into a gorilla pit at your local zoo, it doesn’t hurt to know what to do if you’ve pissed off a gorilla.
How do you know if you have upset a gorilla? If a gorilla thinks it is in danger, it threatens in the first place , such as loud mooing and hooting. If that doesn’t push you away, he will intensify his threats by propping himself up with his feet and pounding his chest at a very fast pace. At this point, if you do not take submissive action, he may attack and attack with vicious bites, punches, scratches, and may even try to grab your leg and drag you away.
Here’swhat you should do when you meet a gorilla :
- Sit down slowly and make yourself small.
- Look away from the nearest gorilla and turn away. Trying to look selfless.
- Gradually increase the distance between you and the gorillas without making any sudden movements.
This simple behavior tells the gorilla that you are not a threat or want to challenge her. If he’s attacking you and it’s not a bluff (most of them are), turn away from him and drop completely to the ground. Relax if he decides to examine you. In the end, you will get bored and he will move on.
Whatever happens, never:
- Run from the gorilla.
- Show your teeth.
- Raise your arms and try to look bigger.
- Scream and shout.
- Hit yourself back – not even a joke.
These actions can provoke the gorilla to defend its territory, and you are likely to be seriously hurt. Fortunately, gorilla attacks are very rare ( even in zoos and reserves ) and most attacks are provocative or defensive.