10 Disturbing Wildlife Behaviors Witnessed in 2023

Sadly, the presence of humans can harm wildlife. Human noise, light pollution, and exposure to domesticated animals can all harm wild creatures. According to the National Park Service, possible outcomes of human interaction with wildlife include parents rejecting their young, injury, disease, and poor nutrition due to reliance on human food. Despite this, some people continue to ignore expert advice and disturb wild animals. These are 10 of the most egregious instances of wildlife-disturbing behaviors in 2023.

1. Woman Climbs on the Back of Distressed Baby Whale

In late December of 2023, a distressed baby humpback whale was spotted in the waters near Waikiki, off the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Waikiki is a popular tourist destination. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association received calls after the baby whale attempted to beach itself due to its distress. Horrifically, as the young whale attempted to beach itself, one woman was captured on video entering the water and attempting to ride on its back. Teams from Hawaii Marine Animal Response responded to calls about the situation and attempted to guide the calf back into the ocean. Although it is unclear what happened to the humpback calf, officials have said that it was unlikely to survive unless it was reunited with its mother as it was still fully dependent on her.

2. Tourists Feed and Try to Hold Black Bear Cub

In a Facebook post from October 30th, Blue Ridge Parkway officials issued a statement saying that they were closing a portion of the parkway after they received multiple reports of people feeding and attempting to hold a young black bear cub. This is hazardous to both the young bear, who may learn to rely on people for food, and humans.

3. Couple with Loose Dog Poses for Photos Beside Endangered Monk Seal

In May of 2023, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources posted a photo to Facebook that shows a couple posing for photos extremely close to an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. To make matters worse, the couple had a small dog with them who was not kept on a leash. Monk seals are critically endangered and are protected under both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Protection Act. Harassment of these creatures is punishable by both fines and imprisonment. Additionally, Hawaiian monk seals are large animals and can be dangerous to people. While the couple in the photos was not identified, many other people have been convicted for similar actions in recent years.

4. Tourist Touches Bison Calf in Yellowstone, Leading to Euthanasia

One tragic incident that occurred in May of 2023 ultimately led to the death of one young bison calf. After a visitor to Yellowstone National Park, later identified as Clifford Walters, saw the young bison calf who had become separated from its mother, he attempted to “help” the calf by pushing it up the river bank. Sadly, his interaction with the young bison led to its being rejected by its herd. This is not uncommon when people handle young wild animals. Ultimately, the bison calf had to be euthanized by park staff. While Walters’ behavior was not malicious, it shows the heartbreaking effects that human interaction with wildlife can have.

5. 33 People Harass and Pursue Pod of Dolphins

After a group of 33 people harassed and pursued a pod of spinner dolphins off the coast of Hawaii Island, local wildlife officials initiated a case against those involved. The large group of people was filmed in Hōnaunau Bay chasing and attempting to corral the pods of dolphins. It is illegal to harass marine mammals due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Additionally, federal law prohibits swimming within 50 yards of spinner dolphins in Hawaii. Harassing dolphins can have negative consequences for the animals.

6. Monkey’s Harassed for Social Media in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous temple complex in Cambodia. However, the macaques that live at the temple have repeatedly been harassed by visitors. People may want to take selfies with the monkeys, film them, or feed them. It is also common for monkeys who have been kept in captivity to be abandoned at the site. Although Cambodian authorities have prohibited harassment of the monkeys, evidence collected by Animal rights groups shows that it continues.

7. Swan Struck and Injured by Golf Cart on Purpose

In June of 2023, a beloved swan at a South Carolina campground was severely injured after someone purposefully struck her with a golf cart. Named Swannie, the injured bird is already mute and suffers from a condition that does not allow her to fly. After being struck by the golf cart, Swannie was transported to a nearby exotic animal veterinarian who determined that she had a luxated hip and knee. She is now being cared for by the Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Heartwarmingly, the community rallied behind the injured bird and raised over 7,000 dollars for her care. The campground banned the person who hit Swannie, and the case is being looked into by state wildlife officials.

8. Man Pets Lion on Safari in the Serengeti

Early in 2023, a video circulated on social media that showed a man reaching out of a safari vehicle to stroke a nearby lioness. Luckily this interaction, which occurred in the Serengeti, did not end in tragedy. However, it highlights how reckless humans can be when interacting with wildlife.

9. Florida Man Destroys Sea Turtle Nest

In 2022, wildlife officials received information about sea turtle nests that had been disturbed in Florida’s Nokomis Beach State Park. However, the mystery remained unsolved for nearly a year. In May of 2023, new information came to light in the case which led to an arrest. The 22-year-old man who was arrested was charged with a third-degree felony for molestation and destruction of a sea turtle nest. The vast majority of the world’s seven sea turtle species are endangered or threatened. For this reason, it is always best to give their nests a wide berth to protect them.

10. Tourists Place Elk Calf in Car

Despite wildlife officials’ pleas for tourists to respect wild animals, a disturbing incident occurred on Memorial Day of 2023. Several tourists placed an elk calf in their car and drove them to a nearby police station. However, the elk calf escaped and ran into the woods. It is not clear what happened to the young creature. 

Harassment of wildlife is harmful to both humans and animals. When outside, it is important to always remain a respectful distance from wildlife. Furthermore, do not engage in activities that encourage unsafe wildlife interactions. Although it may be tempting, never feed wildlife as it can result in a dependence on humans and inadequate nutrition. If you see a wild animal you believe requires assistance, contact local wildlife authorities. 

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