Gorillas are extraordinarily strong animals, significantly surpassing the average human in raw physical power. Key points about gorilla strength include:
- Strength Compared to Humans: Gorillas are generally estimated to be about 4 to 10 times stronger than the average human. Some sources suggest the range varies depending on the activity and muscle groups involved, but 4 to 9 times stronger is a common consensus
- Muscle Mass and Body Weight: Adult male gorillas (silverbacks) weigh between 136 to 220 kg (300 to 485 pounds), which is roughly 2 to 3 times the weight of an average human male. They have about 1.5 to 2 times the muscle mass of humans, especially concentrated in the upper body, contributing to their superior strength
- Lifting and Pulling Power: A silverback gorilla can reportedly lift up to around 1,800 pounds (816 kg) in pulling force, which far exceeds the maximum lifting capacity of even elite human athletes. For example, the world record deadlift by a human is about 1,100 pounds, while gorillas can lift or pull significantly more relative to their body weight
- Bite Force: Gorillas have a bite force of approximately 1,300 pounds per square inch (PSI), nearly double that of humans and even lions, enabling them to crush tough vegetation and defend themselves effectively
- Strength in Practical Terms: Gorillas can tear down banana trees, bend iron bars, and overpower multiple adult humans combined. Their muscle fibers are primarily fast-twitch, optimized for explosive power rather than endurance, making them formidable in short bursts of strength
In summary, gorillas' strength is a combination of their larger muscle mass, favorable muscle fiber composition, and evolutionary adaptations, making them roughly 4 to 10 times stronger than the average human, with some estimates even higher depending on the context
