Grand theft otter: ‘Aggressive’ critter swiping surfboards, harassing swimmers

globalnews.ca:

Though the sight of an otter sunbathing on a surfboard is undoubtedly adorable, one “aggressive” surfboard-snatching sea otter in California is harassing swimmers and causing a nuisance.

A five-year-old female sea otter in the waters off Santa Cruz achieved viral fame this month after a local photographer captured photos and video of the mammal gnawing at numerous surfboards to frighten riders and attempt to steal their boards.

Photographer Mark Woodward, known online as Native Santa Cruz, has been sharing evidence of the otter’s sticky fingers (and powerful bite) online for several weeks now.

On Monday, Woodward said he had watched the sea otter, known simply as 841, inspect several surfboards before setting her sights on a few unlucky wave riders.

“This has become a dangerous situation for both surfers and the sea otter!” Woodward wrote alongside several photos of a surfboard with chunks bitten out of its side.

It was being very aggressive and took bites out of a few boards. This has become a dangerous situation for both surfers and the sea otter! 2/4 pic.twitter.com/JjYrXdHW8v

— Native Santa Cruz (@NativeSantaCruz) <a href=«https://twitter.com/NativeSantaCruz/status/1678516745441624072?ref_src=» https:>July 10, 2023

Wildlife authorities in the region are not sure why the sea otter is targeting surfers and their boards, but the behaviour has sounded alarm bells.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on Monday that 841 posed a “public safety risk” in the region. In collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, wildlife officials said they would capture and relocate 841 away from her home waters.

Authorities have yet to capture the sneaky sea otter.

Sea otters are normally frightened of people and are