Coexistence in Focus: Tips for Ethical Urban Wildlife Photography

With nearly 75% of Canadians now living in urban areas, humans and wildlife are sharing space in cities across the country and crossing paths more frequently than ever before. From parks and playgrounds, alleyways and balconies, Canada’s urban ecosystems are full of wildlife that is adapting, surviving, and even thriving alongside us.

As photographers, this means we have unique opportunities to tell wild stories in our own backyards. 

However, as conservation photographers who put the well-being of subjects above the shot, we also have an important responsibility to document these moments with curiosity, care, and ethical intent at the forefront of every encounter.

So, how do we tell their stories without causing harm?

An Ethics Checklist for Urban Wildlife Photographers

Encounters with urban wildlife can be magical, but can also involve layers of complexity. Coexistence requires awareness, compassion, respect, and boundaries, especially in densely populated, human-made cities.

Photographing wildlife in cities presents unique opportunities, but also unique challenges, limited habitat, the dangers of roadways and traffic, habituated animals, and the sheer volume of individuals can all put great pressure on urban wildlife. 

As ethical wildlife photographers, our first responsibility is to minimize impact. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when you’re shooting in the city.

1. Geotag responsibly

   
   

Sharing exact locations on social media can unintentionally put wildlife at risk. 

Geotags can draw crowds to sensitive sites, causing stress, habitat damage, or disruption to feeding or breeding. In bustling cities, it could mean dozens of well-meaning people show up and unintentionally overwhelm a fox den or nesting owl. In extreme cases, they have even been used by poachers to track endangered species.

Be especially cautious when sharing sightings of:

• Nesting or denning animals

• Wildlife in high-traffic areas (e.g. a busy boardwalk, a school campus)

• Delicate or sensitive ecosystems

• Endangered or rare species

Tip: If your photo includes an easily recognizable landmark, consider waiting a few weeks for the animal to move on before posting.

2. Aim to be “invisible”

Yes, wildlife in cities may be used to human presence, and yes, they likely know you’re there. But aim to minimize your impact and your footprint as much as possible in every encounter. 

Some ways to do that include:

• Be mindful of your gear. Use a telephoto lens to avoid putting pressure on the animal and use silent shutter mode

• Keep quiet, avoid fast movements, and monitor for signs of stress or discomfort

• Avoid flash photography. Look for ways to take advantage of urban light if needed, like reflections and streetlights

• As hard as it might be, avoid overstaying your welcome. Even if the animal doesn’t appear to be overly stressed, staking out a site for hours does have an impact.

Tip: Just like us, wildlife animals often follow routines. Use patience instead of pushing.

3. Monitor for signs of stress or discomfort, and let the subject dictate when the encounter is over

Familiarize yourself with your subject’s body language and monitor for ways your presence may be having a negative impact. Common signs of stress include:

• Freezing or excessive staring

• Retreating or hiding

• Alarm calls or panting

Let wildlife move into your frame. Never chase, crowd, or corner your subject for a shot.

Always give the animal an opportunity to move away. If it chooses to, respect your subject and do not pursue it. When it moves away, that’s your cue that the encounter is over.

Remember, if an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you’re too close.

4. If a location or encounter feels “wrong,” move on

Sometimes, the “right” thing to do may be not seeking out a photo opportunity at all. 

If you find yourself in a situation where a rare species is being swarmed by crowds, where sensitive ecosystems are being trampled, where other photographers are exhibiting bad behaviour (such as baiting - whether with food, noise, or items), or where you feel like you’re putting a subject’s safety and comfort at risklist, — consider not going or leaving the site. 

You can also report instances to a park or city authorities., Iand (if it feels safe to do so,) consider having conversations and educating others on the importance of following park or city rules and ethical wildlife photography principles. Note that (recognizing it may not be safe or comfortable to do so in every instance).

Tip: Urban wildlife tolerance can be mistaken for comfort when it— but may actually be stress or habituation.

5. Be respectful of human neighbours, too

Urban photography often means working near homes, parks, and backyards. Be thoughtful about how — and where — you shoot:.

For example: 

• Don’t reveal private addresses or den or /nest locations

• Avoid including recognizable addresses, license plates

• Use extra care around children or sensitive spaces

Tip: If something feels off or invasive, — it probably is. When in doubt, don’t take the shot.

6. Use your voice, as well as your camera

Your images and captions can spark conversations, curiosity, and change.

When sharing your images, you have an opportunity to counter stigma and false information, to show species and cities in a new light, to inspire awe and wonder, and to promote ethical wildlife photography. 

Remember, there’s power in your work and your words. You never know who may be paying attention.

Sharing our cities comes with responsibilities

Even in our busiest, densest neighbourhoods, nature is never far once we start paying attention. As our cities grow, urban landscapes offer endless opportunities to tell powerful stories of coexistence and conservation. 

As conservation photographers, we have a duty to centre the well-being of our subjects when we tell their stories. So, before taking your next shot, ask yourself if you are putting your subject’s space, safety, and comfort first.

When we lead with intention, our photography goes beyond art — it becomes advocacy.

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About the Author

Cari Siebrits is a wildlife photographer and writer who is passionate about telling stories of conservation and coexistence. Guided by her commitment to ethical wildlife photography, she aims to share stories that connect communities with the wildlife and wild places around them.