Two kayakers off the coast of Perth can be seen becoming a bit too passionate about whales in a video shared to social media on Sunday, September 17, inviting injury to get an up-close look at a mother and her calf.

The enthusiasts risked both their lives and their bank balances getting within 100 metres of the animals.

“The whales are normally pretty protective so that’s why I got the drone out because I thought something might happen,” Michael Mccormick, who recorded the video, told Perth Now.

“If it slapped its tail it would have been a pretty hard hit.”

Southern right whales have a special status under Australia’s Wildlife Conservation Act. Disturbing them can result in fines of up to $10,000. Credit: Michael McCormick via Storyful