Wildlife: Habituating Animals
By Deb Tappan
If you bait, you run the chance of habituating the animal to humans. The animals may no longer think that humans are to be feared and that humans equate to the appearance of food.
In the case of bears, that's NOT a good idea at all for obvious reasons. If habituated, the results can be disastrous to both the individual (mauling at the least, death at the worst) and to the bear (relocation at the least, death at the worst).
For example, the black bears of Yosemite have a reputation for being quite naughty. They are so habituated to humans that they are notorious for approaching backpackers for the food in their packs and breaking into cars in the parking lots, etc. This habituation is due in part to food access and improper food storage by visitors.
Is getting a photograph worth the risk to yourself or the animal? Think about it: is an animal trained to bait still truly "wild?" If you are a photographer who depends on such tactics, how successful will you be where you are prohibited from their use?
The very essence of wildlife photography is to photograph the animal as it exists in its natural surroundings. This is why we study and learn their patterns and behavior. It is why we back off and/or use longer lenses if the animal does begin to show any signs of stress. It's also why we take pains not to destroy their habitat. It is why we tread softly.
Photograph and text: Copyright 2004 Deborah Siminski Tappan. All rights reserved.