The muzzle is short and the body extremely stocky. The eyes and ears are small, the hands very large, and the upper arm is much longer than the forearm. While gorillas are primarily terrestrial, like other primates, they are capable of climbing. Surface locomotion is quadrupedal, the soles of the feet and the middle phalanges of the fingers being placed on the ground. Though capable of bipedal movement, such movement never exceeds 60 feet.
Gorillas are reluctant to cross even the shallowest of streams.
Platform nests are built for sleeping. Although they are nearly entirely vegetarian, some will accept meat or take insects. Gorillas are social, living in groups. When two groups meet they may ignore each other, temporarily associate, or express hostility. Groups can range from 2 to 30 in number and, if a group has more than one mature male, one will be dominant.