How Strong Is a Chimpanzee? Are Chimps Really That Violent?

Chimpanzees are humans’ closest relatives, sharing up to 98.7% of our DNA. While humans and chimps share many similarities, questions about strength and aggression often arise: How strong is a chimpanzee compared to humans? How do chimps measure up against other great apes, such as gorillas?

The Deceptive Appearance of Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are relatively small, standing 4–5 feet tall and weighing between 70 and 130 pounds. From a distance, one might mistake them for monkeys—though, unlike monkeys, chimps have no tails. Despite their diminutive appearance, chimpanzees are incredibly strong. Encounters with humans or larger wildlife often end fatally for the other species, leaving many curious about just how powerful these primates really are.

Why Chimps Are So Strong

Chimpanzees spend much of their time in trees, swinging from branch to branch. This arboreal lifestyle develops tremendous upper- and lower-body strength. Without a tail to aid in balance, chimps rely on their powerful limbs to jump efficiently, grip branches securely, and support their body weight.

Chimpanzees also communicate across vast territories using loud pant-hoots and by slapping tree trunks. The thunderous sound of a tree being slammed demonstrates the sheer power in a chimp’s arms.

Comparing Chimpanzee Strength to Humans

Chimpanzees are estimated to be five times stronger than an average human. Their strength is not just anecdotal; there are documented cases where an agitated chimp has caused severe injury to humans. For instance, in Uganda’s Kibale Forest, a chimp once grabbed a park ranger’s arm with such force that the bones were shattered when it released.

How Aggressive Are Chimpanzees?

Chimpanzees have a reputation for aggression. Famous primatologist Jane Goodall noted that they can display extreme hostility—even toward humans familiar to them. Male chimps will fiercely defend their territories, attack intruders, and sometimes engage in organized conflicts with other chimpanzee groups to control areas rich in food.

How Do Chimps Fight?

Chimpanzees fight using a combination of brute strength and strategic aggression. They slam, drag, stomp, and pull their victims in various ways. They can also wield sticks and stones as weapons and have extremely sharp canine teeth.

Chimps often attack in groups. In extreme cases, they have been known to dismember prey or even humans: one chimp might hold a leg while another pulls the opposite leg, tearing the victim apart. Before doing so, they often bite the hands first to neutralize resistance—understanding that human hands are our primary weapons.

Safety Tips in Case of an Encounter

If you are ever cornered by aggressive chimpanzees, it is crucial to protect your hands. One recommended strategy is to lie on the ground and curl up like a baby, tucking your arms between your thighs or stomach to prevent the chimps from easily reaching them.