By Sherry Anders
Wildlife photography is a great way to educate and inspire people to care about the natural world around us. Inherently challenging, social media platforms create added pressure to produce a steady stream of attention-grabbing images. As photographers, how can we make sure we place the welfare of the animals we love so much above our own desire to capture that perfect shot?
During the winter of 2013-14 there was a snowy owl irruption. I remember finding photographers gathered in large groups near the owls, barely offering them a moment’s peace. They were stressing the animals, trampling sensitive sand dunes to get up close, waking them from critical rest to capture their bright yellow eyes, and getting in the way of their ability to hunt. I witnessed a group of people walk up to a sleeping snowy with their cell phone cameras. The owl got spooked and flew off, as the people walked away chattering excitedly, “We got it!” Is any one shot really worth causing an animal this much stress or putting it at risk?
If there was any silver lining to the behavior observed during the snowy owl craze it was that numerous discussions opened up in the photography community about the ethics of photographing wildlife, and there was a growing awareness of the negative impacts of over-eager photographers. Some did not realize the harm they might be causing. As these discussions took place, a more compassionate stance came to the fore, and the culture began to shift.
Ethical Wildlife Photography
A number of high profile organizations such as The National Audubon Society, National Geographic, and The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) have published ethical guidelines for wildlife photography (links below). Here are some general rules of thumb for photographing responsibly.
Know your subjects. We cannot always anticipate what we will find out in the field, but if you are looking for particular subjects, study up on their behavior and routines ahead of time. Find out when their breeding and nesting seasons are, as these are particularly sensitive times when they should be given more space. Knowing your subjects well helps you position yourself to get great photos while being able to avoid harm and intrusion.
Keep your distance. Some locations like state parks have rules about how close you can get to wildlife. There are laws about safe distances for protected species. Make sure to learn and follow any rules about minimum distances that apply. Getting too close to nests and dens can result in the abandonment of eggs or young animals and creates a scent trail for predators. Use a telephoto lens, a blind, camera trap, or remote shutter control to be less obtrusive.
Learn the signs of distress. Always keep an eye out for distress signals such as wide eyes, alarm cries, freezing, or flushing (running or flying off). As a general rule, if an animal is changing its behavior because of your presence, you are causing it stress and it’s time to back away. In addition to keeping a good distance, it’s important not to stalk animals or disturb them when they’re resting. Stress and fatigue can inhibit hunting and foraging. During breeding season stress can also impact the development and viability of the young.
Equipment considerations are important. In addition to using a telephoto lens, camera trap, or remote shutter control to maintain an unobtrusive distance, avoid using a direct flash, as this can cause temporary blindness, especially for nocturnal animals. As the use of drones becomes more popular, keep in mind that they are dangerous and disruptive to birds, especially at nesting sites.
Avoid baiting, luring, and calling (with a few exceptions). Baiting may seem harmless, but it can lead to a number of serious risks for animals. When animals become dependent on humans for food, it can inhibit their ability to find food on their own, and they may be exposed to harmful bacteria. Moreover, animals that associate humans with food are more likely to frequent neighborhoods and roadways. They can become bold and aggressive in seeking food from humans. This will give them a bad reputation. Residents who consider wildlife visitors a nuisance may attempt to trap or kill them, or report them to authorities, which can result in euthanization. Predatory animals in state parks that become habituated to humans are euthanized for public safety. Crossing roadways to find human sources of food also puts animals at greater risk of getting hit by motor vehicles.
Bird feeders are considered acceptable lures if they are kept clean and filled with appropriate food, as they are considered to have an overall benefit. Camera traps around a fresh kill or cache are also considered acceptable, as they do not stress the animals or alter their natural behavior.
The use of pre-recorded bird calls during breeding and nesting cycles may confuse birds or cause a bird to attempt to defend its territory, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predation. Pre-recorded calls, sometimes called “playbacks,” should be avoided with endangered species, and used sparingly with others.
Safeguard locations. If you discover an uncommon species, others will inevitably want to know where you found it. Always consider the animal’s welfare first. Remove GPS data and limit disclosure of location for rare and sensitive species. Crowds and visitors who may not be as considerate about their impact may stress the animal or cause harm.
Be respectful of habitat. Finally, be respectful of habitat. Avoid trampling native vegetation, cutting away camouflage, or cutting across dunes or other areas sensitive to erosion. Wildlife cannot thrive without protecting the critical habitats that offer them food, safety, and shelter.
When you are out in the field, always remember why we are doing what we do. Lead by example, and do no harm. A creative and well-researched approach can go a long way in capturing great wildlife shots and will help you grow as a photographer; rather than relying on harmful shortcuts or falling prey to trends that result in a barrage of stress for the animals, carve out your own niche. All living things need great visual storytellers right now. Images of stressed or baited animals will have far less impact – and may even create negative backlash – than a patiently sought image with the right equipment that highlights an animal’s natural behavior.
Ethical Nature and Wildlife Photography Links
• The Audubon Society https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography
• National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/07/ethical-wildlife-photography/
• North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) http://www.nanpa.org/advocacy/ethics/
MA Wildlife Collective 