Photogenic seal dies...because of all the people taking pictures.

[Catherine]

This was a baby seal so it might have been waiting for its mother to come back and nurse it. If so all the people would have prevented it.

People are so self centered when it comes to animals. The want to view everything about an animal in relationship to how it effects them. If the animal is cute and seems to look at them, they somehow think the animal is relating to them and even wanting their attention.  If the animal is not cute and even not nice looking, they assume it is somehow wanting to hurt them.
Our perception of an animals dangerousness is of course based on how cute we think the animal is.

Mostly it is ignorance, mixed with a lot of self centered behavior. People do not see animals as thinking, feeling individuals. 
Some people barely see other people as thinking, feeling individuals.

We just need stronger laws to protect wildlife. A few good stiff fines will make selfies with animals less appealing.
If petting that seal cost the woman $10,000 dollars in fines, other people would be less likely to do it.