How Strong is a Silverback Gorilla? (Estimates)

Male gorillas, often referred to as “silverbacks,” are famous for their sheer size, power, and dominance within their groups. They earn the term “silverback” due to the silver streak of fur that develops across their backs as they mature, a hallmark of adult males. These mighty apes are not just symbols of strength in the animal kingdom but are also a subject of fascination due to their incredible physical capabilities. Just how strong are they, and what makes them so formidable? Here’s everything you need to know about the power of a silverback gorilla.

Just keep in mind, some of the situations in this article are purely hypothetical and estimates… so don’t take it too seriously. We can’t put a silverback and a grizzly in the octagon to find out who would win. 

Anatomy of a silverback gorilla: the key to its strength

Silverback gorillas are built for strength and agility. Their bodies are composed of dense muscles that allow them to perform remarkable physical feats. The combination of a broad chest, long arms, and sturdy legs makes them one of the strongest animals relative to their size.

Arm strength:

Silverback gorillas have incredibly powerful arms, which can be up to 30% longer than their legs. These arms are used for climbing trees, breaking through thick vegetation, and even fighting when necessary. The length of their arms also gives them leverage, allowing them to exert immense force.

Leg power:

Gorillas’ legs contribute significantly to their strength. A large portion of their muscle mass is concentrated in their lower bodies, helping them walk, run, and climb with stability and speed. This lower body strength is essential for carrying their weight, which can exceed 400 pounds in adult males.

Hands and grip strength:

A gorilla’s hands are not just larger than a human’s—they are significantly stronger. Measuring up to 12 inches long, these hands have a crushing grip, enabling gorillas to hold onto branches, tear apart tough plants, or grapple with rivals. This grip strength is estimated to be several times stronger than the average human’s.

Bite force:

The silverback’s jaws are another key to its power. Their bite force is estimated at 1,300 PSI, stronger than nearly all other land mammals. This allows them to chew through tough plant material like bamboo and tree bark. Their large canine teeth are primarily used for display during dominance displays but can deliver a lethal bite if needed.

How does a silverback gorilla’s strength compare to a human?

The physical power of a silverback gorilla far surpasses that of a human. Depending on the activity, they are estimated to be 4 to 10 times stronger than an average human. For example, in lifting strength, an adult male silverback could theoretically lift up to 1,800 pounds under ideal conditions—far beyond what even the strongest human weightlifters can achieve.

Key comparisons:

• Upper body strength: A silverback gorilla’s upper body strength allows it to effortlessly climb and swing through trees, whereas humans would struggle to do so without training.
• Grip strength: The grip of a silverback is strong enough to crush fruit or tear through tough plants. In contrast, the average human grip strength measures only about 72.6 pounds of force, compared to a gorilla’s estimated hundreds of pounds.
• Bite force: Humans have a bite force of around 160 PSI, significantly lower than the 1,300 PSI of a silverback gorilla.

Why are silverback gorillas so strong?

The incredible strength of a silverback gorilla is an evolutionary adaptation to its environment. As herbivores, they rely on their power to forage for food, break apart tough vegetation, and navigate through dense forests. Their strength is also crucial for defending their group from threats, including rival males and predators.

While gorillas don’t engage in active hunting like carnivores, their strength is essential for survival in other ways. For instance:

• They use their arms and legs to build large, sturdy nests each night.
• They defend their groups against potential dangers, such as leopards or other gorillas.
• Their muscular bodies help them climb high into trees to reach fruit and other vegetation.

How does the silverback gorilla’s strength compare to other animals?

Silverback gorillas are undeniably strong, but how do they measure up against other powerful animals? While it’s difficult to compare the strength of one animal to another in most cases, below are some stats that give you a rough idea. Their strength is impressive within their size range, but other animals surpass them in specific ways.

• Bears: Grizzly bears and polar bears are larger and faster than gorillas. A silverback has a stronger bite force (1,300 PSI compared to a grizzly’s 975 PSI), but bears outmatch gorillas in overall size and weight, which would likely allow them to overpower gorillas in a hypothetical fight. Gorillas, however, are stronger than smaller bear species, like the sun bear or sloth bear.
• Elephants: African elephants are the strongest land mammals, capable of lifting up to 20,000 pounds with their trunks. This strength far exceeds that of a silverback gorilla, making elephants unmatched in lifting power.
• Big cats: Gorillas are more powerful than many big cats in terms of raw strength, but cats like lions and tigers have greater agility and speed, giving them an edge in predatory skills.
• Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles possess one of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom at up to 5,000 PSI—over three times greater than a silverback gorilla’s bite force. However, crocodiles are specialized for aquatic environments, whereas gorillas excel on land.

While gorillas are not the strongest animals overall, their strength is impressive when considering their size and their role in the ecosystem.

Do silverbacks use their strength in fights?

Physical confrontations are rare in gorilla groups, but they do happen, particularly among males vying for dominance. Silverbacks rely on their strength, size, and aggression to establish control over their groups. When disputes arise, a silverback may charge, roar, or use its powerful arms and jaws to intimidate rivals.

However, most disputes are resolved through displays of dominance rather than outright violence. Chest-beating, a behavior made famous by gorillas, serves as a warning to other males or predators. These displays often prevent physical fights, conserving energy and avoiding injury.

If a silverback does fight, it uses its strength strategically. A punch or bite from a gorilla can inflict severe injuries, and their immense power often discourages further challenges.