Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are among those most at risk of being disturbed by overeager photographers. This charismatic subspecies inhabits nearshore environments that overlap extensively with human development and recreation in California, USA. Not only does its accessibility make it susceptible to anthropogenic disturbance but so, too, does its unusual physiology. According to past studies, human-caused disruptions to natural behavioral patterns can jeopardize a sea otter’s ability to meet its high foraging demands. Disturbance can also interrupt critical activities like resting and nursing, potentially threatening survival or reproductive success.

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The project presented here is the first to investigate the relationship between photography and southern sea otter disturbance. Camera use was shown to significantly influence the distance marine recreationists maintain from otters, drawing them closer than they otherwise would be. This indicates that photography increases the probability of disturbance and can result in an energetic cost to the disturbed otter. The implications of this cost, especially if made repeatedly, can be lethal at the individual level and harmful at the population level. It is hoped that regulatory agencies will use our results to better manage human disturbance to the subspecies. Southern sea otters are undoubtedly photogenic, but they are also vulnerable creatures whose wellbeing should not be compromised for the perfect shot.