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Because of their high metabolic rates, sea otters are especially vulnerable to disturbances that can increase their energy needs. New research in The Journal of Wildlife Management reveals how human activities affect the behavior and energy expenditure of southern sea otters.

By studying southern sea otters over five years at three sites along the coast of California, investigators found evidence that, on average, the likelihood of a group of sea otters being disturbed (which affects their ability to rest) is less than 10% when stimuli such as small craft are more than 29 meters away, although this threshold varies by location, group size, and several other factors.

Stimuli (such as kayakers) that are closer have a much greater likelihood of disturbing sea otters and increasing their energetic costs, potentially affecting their health and survival.

"People are getting too close, and this comes with a cost to wildlife. In many cases, social media perpetuates false information and fuels public desire for up-close wildlife encounters, and for sea otters this public obsession puts them at particular risk," said corresponding author Heather Barrett, MSc, of the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at San Jose State University and Science Communications Director of Sea Otter Savvy.

"Distance matters—there is a cost to cute—and this is why it is essential to respect the nap for sea otters. We only support non-disturbance wildlife photography, meaning no direct eye contact."