The popularity of wildlife photography has substantially increased in recent decades, intensifying pressure on charismatic species. Previous research has shown that photos taken at close distances can elevate stress, cause behavioral changes, and sometimes lead to habituation to humans. Here, we determine if camera use by marine recreationists affects the distance maintained from sea otters at various Central California sites. From February 2021 to September 2023, scan-sampling methods were used by Sea Otter Savvy staff and community science members to collect observational data. We found that individuals with a camera had an average distance of 27.4 meters from sea otters while those without a camera were 37.7 meters away (p<0.001). Among camera users, those with a cell phone were 2.41 meters closer to sea otters on average than those with a single-lens reflex camera (p<0.001). These results demonstrate that cameras, especially on cell phones, shorten the human-otter distance and increase the probability of disturbance. Sea otters are particularly vulnerable given their high energetic demands and can have their survival or reproductive success comprised by human disturbance. Thus, individuals engaging in photography should maintain a respectful distance to achieve peaceful co-existence with sea otters.

Samantha Hamilton is a Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan focused on sea otter research and conservation on the U.S. West Coast and in Japan. She is also a Sea Otter Savvy research intern, supporting the California-based nonprofit in studying anthropogenic disturbance to the southern sea otter. Samantha is an active member of The Wildlife Society, serving as the Outreach and Communications Officer for the Coastal and Marine Wildlife Working Group and an active community member of Women of Wildlife.