Something really exciting happened yesterday, but I am using all my shards of self control and not talking about it yet, in case it affects the outcome. You will know soon. And it will be cool. I promise. In the mean time, a wildlife friend posted this article on FB and it really got me thinking.
Even scientists take selfies with wild animals. Here’s why they shouldn’t.
One of the great things about being a biologist is getting to work in the field and connect with wildlife. Through my career, I have enjoyed many unforgettable close encounters with various species, including turtles, birds, marine mammals, invertebrates and a lot of fish, especially sharks and rays.
My research program also has a strong focus on citizen science. I use data collected by recreational scuba divers and snorkelers to describe marine animal populations and conservation needs. Therefore, I work closely with the tourism industry.
Reflecting on my own experiences, however, I recognize that I and many of my peers have not always followed those best practices. Sure, we need to have close encounters with wildlife to do our work, and we have the necessary training and permits. We often have reason to photograph animals in the course of our research – for example, to quickly capture information such as size, health, sex, and geographic location. But we do not have permission, or good reason, to engage in recreational activities with our animal subjects – including restraining them for selfies.
I have worked with many researchers, including some who have pioneered best handling practices for wild animals. These people have years of training and experience, and know how to handle and release 
animals properly to maximize their survival. I have witnessed the making of many researcher-animal selfies – including photos with restrained animals during scientific study. In most cases the animal was only held for an extra fraction of a second while vigilant researchers simply glanced up and smiled for the camera already pointing in their direction.
But some incidents have been more intrusive. In one instance, researchers had tied a large shark to a boat with ropes across its tail and gills so that they could measure, biopsy and tag it. Then they kept it restrained for an extra 10 minutes while the scientists took turns hugging it for photos.
Although this may be an extreme case, a quick online search for images of “wildlife researchers” produces plenty of photos of scientist
-selfies – with whales, birds, bats, fish, turtles, and other animals – including some of the world’s most endangered species.
Mixed signals
Taking selfies with animals may seem trivial and even beneficial if the photos get viewers interested in science. But these images do not show the researcher’s expertise or training or explain how his or her scientific sampling protocols have been vetted and approved by animal ethics experts. Moreover, the photos do not reveal that many sampling procedures injure or kill some of the animals that are captured for study and that research proposals include acceptable numbers of casualties. The public only sees scientists with animals that appear to be thriving and producing valuable information, despite being captured and handled.
When biologists add extra seconds or minutes of restraint for taking selfies, they reinforce the perception that animals are robust enough to tolerate this treatment. Some members of the public may think that it is a safe and acceptable practice and try to emulate what they see.
The easiest way to show that researchers working with wild animals are following best practices is to avoid engaging in recreational activities with restrained animal subjects, and to be careful about sharing photos from the field that are not clearly related to sanctioned research activities. By taking these steps, biologists can lead by example and help guide the public to interact more responsibly with wildlife.
Of course when I read this article I immediately went searching for scientists posing with beavers, and thought to my self, NO ONE would do that. But of course they did do that. After I found the first one I thought, well sure there’s one lunatic in Canada but no one ELSE would do that. And then I found three more. And then I stopped looking because it was too depressing.
The smart article makes reference also to the great effect of famous resea
rchers interacting gently with animals (Jane Goodall, Sylvie Erle) (Ahem, Sherri Tippie) and says that while those events have significant benefit to public perception and little harm to the animals, researchers still need to be thoughtful about their choices every time. Is the photo to help the world see that animal in a different way? Or is it just to show off? Where will this photo go and who should see it?
Even if all the average biologist, researcher and technician did was THINK of the points raised in this article I’d be grateful. The tension between observing and interacting is a constant one, and certainly not unfelt in the drama of the Martinez Beavers, right down to the end of life decisions we had to make with our original mom. Go read the whole thing, and share it with your wildlife friends.
And I will try again tomorrow not to blurt out the exciting almost-news.
