The wildlife you see around you do not see you as a friend. When you get too close, make a lot of noise, or leave a bunch of trash, it makes the animals feel stressed and scared and it can hurt them or make them sick. Here are some more ways to show respect:

Frequently Asked Questions

Animals show stress and fear differently than people do. Your behavior should never cause a change in animal behavior. Fidgeting, aggression, avoidance, and fleeing are universal signs of disturbance, though different species may react differently. As a general rule: if an animal is looking at you, you are disturbing them!

Here are some common signs of disturbance in wildlife (adapted from NOAA):

Birds

• Head-bobbing

• Increased vocalizations

• Adult birds leaving their nest

• Flocks of birds taking flight

• Acting injured to try to lure predators (you) away from young

 Seals and sea lions

• Increased or rapid movements away from the disturbance

• Hurried entry into the water or herd movement toward the water, known as flushing

• Increased vocalizations or loud exhalations, known as chuffing

• Prolonged diving

• Several individuals raising their heads simultaneously, known as alerting

• Aggressive behavior

Whales, dolphins, and porpoises

• Rapid changes in swimming speed or direction

• Escape tactics such as prolonged diving or underwater exhalation, which is evident in the appearance of bubbles at the surface

• Surface displays like tail slapping

• A female attempting to shield a calf with her body or her movements

Sea otters

• Resting otters raising their heads simultaneously toward the source of a disturbance, known as alerting

• Resting otters becoming active and swimming away from the source of a disturbance

• Rising out of the water, known as periscoping

• A sudden startle response and immediate diving, known as flushing 

Sea turtles

• Rapid retreat into the water by a resting turtle on land

• Rapid changes in swimming speed or direction

• Abandonment of a nesting attempt by a female turtle

• Change in direction of hatchling turtles on land, such as moving toward a light or a distraction instead of the water

 Sharks

• Arched back

• Downturned pectoral fins

Tidepool animals

• Anemones: retract tentacles

• Crabs and snails: scurry away, retract into shell

• Sea stars and urchins: no visible cues, but can be injured if handled

• Octopuses: fleeing, hiding, color changing

• Mussels and barnacles: no visible cues, but can be injured if stepped on or removed

• Others: reaction may not be obvious, any contact can cause harm

Animals will not always exhibit a change in behavior when they are distressed. Some animals may freeze when they feel threatened. When in doubt, assume that you are too close for comfort and take a few generous steps away from wildlife.

Every species and every individual animal has a different tolerance to people. There are local, state, or federal regulations and guidelines that specify approach distances for some species, and those should be followed, but there is no magic distance that keeps you and wildlife safe. Be aware of your surroundings and familiarize yourself with behaviors that indicate disturbance (see above for examples). As a general rule, if the animal is looking at you, you’re too close. If you find yourself in that situation, stop advancing and back up slowly.

For a close wildlife encounter, check out your local zoo or aquarium. In nature, you need to adjust your expectations. The commitment to respecting wildlife comes with obligations. Approaching wild animals for a close-up photograph or encounter disregards their needs and behavior. Getting that perfect photo to show friends or post on social media often comes at a cost to the animal. Imagine paparazzi bursting into your home to take pictures of you!

A more respectful attitude involves learning how to appreciate and observe wildlife from a distance. Try to blend into the environment rather than plow through it. If you spend a bit of time observing at a respectful distance and the animals don’t feel threatened, you will see amazing behavior and come away with a better appreciation for how they live their lives. And you might get a good photo after all! For tips on ethical wildlife photography, learn more here.

Sea turtles, seabirds, seals, and sea lions spend a significant portion of their time on land to lay eggs, rest, molt, or give birth, and care for their young. It is always important to keep your distance and not approach these animals, even if you think something might be wrong with them. If an animal appears injured, sick, or orphaned, the best way to help is to leave the rescue and care of wildlife to the experts. Use NMFS hotline and 1-800-853-1964 look up the contacts for stranded marine wildlife in your area and save it in your phone now! 

1. Lead by example: demonstrate respectful behavior

2. Educate others: speak up for wildlife and gently inform them about the proper behaviors to engage in

3. Report violations: notify CalTIP (888-334-2258) or the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline (800-853-1964).

Wild animals can be unpredictable. If a wild animal approaches you, do not approach or touch it. Slowly back away and maintain eye contact. Depending on the animal species or size, you may consider waving your arms and making noise to make yourself appear bigger. If the animal appears to be aggressive and/or you are concerned for your safety, call 9-1-1.

Drones, also called unmanned aerial systems, should not be flown over or near wildlife. They can harm animals by causing increased stress, injury, or even death. Pursuit, harassment, or an intentional disturbance of animals, such as during breeding, nesting, and rearing of young, is not allowed pursuant to state and federal laws. Further, the National Park Service, many national wildlife refuges, and some state parks prohibit drone use. In other (legal) airspace, drones must comply with all FAA regulations and guidance.