In a hypothetical fight between 100 men and one adult male silverback gorilla, experts generally agree that while the gorilla is vastly stronger and more powerful than a single human, the sheer numbers, coordination, and endurance of 100 men would likely give them the advantage to ultimately defeat the gorilla—albeit at a very high cost. Key points:
- A silverback gorilla can weigh over 400 pounds, is estimated to be 4 to 10 times stronger than a human, has a bite force over 1,300 PSI, and can lift over 1,800 pounds. Its raw power, speed, and durability make it a formidable fighter capable of easily overpowering individual humans
- Gorillas are typically calm but will fiercely defend themselves if cornered. They are not endurance athletes, so they can tire relatively quickly when facing sustained attacks
- Humans have the advantage of numbers, strategy, and endurance. If 100 men coordinate well, surround the gorilla, and attack in waves or simultaneously, they could wear it down and eventually subdue it
- The fight would be brutal and costly for the humans. Many men would likely be injured or killed before the gorilla is overwhelmed. Panic and loss of coordination among the men could allow the gorilla to pick them off in smaller groups
- Simulations and expert opinions suggest that while the gorilla could easily dispatch a few men at a time, it would struggle to fend off a coordinated attack by 100 men over time, who could use teamwork to pin it down
- Betting odds and AI predictions slightly favor the humans due to numbers and strategy, but acknowledge the gorilla’s overwhelming individual strength and lethality
Summary:
One gorilla is overwhelmingly stronger than a single man, but 100 men working
together, using strategy and endurance, would most likely win against the
gorilla. However, the victory would come at a significant human cost, with
many injured or killed in the process
