Sea Otter Causes Emergency Rescue in Santa Cruz
A sea otter has been causing a stir in Santa Cruz’s Steamer Lane by stealing surfers’ boards and prompting an emergency water rescue. This incident is reminiscent of previous events involving a well-known otter named 841, who gained notoriety for similar behavior in 2021 and 2023.
On the evening of October 15, Santa Cruz fire officials responded to a report of a surfer possibly being bitten by an otter. Lifeguards who arrived first on the scene found a surfer in the water with an otter sitting on her board. Local photographer Mark Woodward captured images of the encounter. He described how marine safety officer Ben Coffey helped the surfer, identified as Bella, back onto her board and began paddling back to shore. However, the sea otter was not giving up easily and pursued them, leading Bella to join Coffey on his rescue board.
Once Coffey brought Bella safely to shore, she was evaluated and found to have a minor injury—a scratch on the bottom of her foot. Fire officials confirmed that the surfer was not bitten. Woodward explained that Coffey then returned to the water to reclaim Bella’s board, having to get the otter off of it again.
Recent Encounters and Similar Incidents
There have been reports of other human versus sea otter encounters in the same area in recent days. Woodward shared photos from a second incident that happened the next day, confirming multiple instances of an otter taking over a surfboard since the two cases last week.
Memories of Otter 841
Woodward mentioned that these incidents brought back memories of the famous otter dubbed 841, who went viral for stealing surfboards in the same area back in 2021 and 2023. The photographer extensively documented the otter’s behavior and became somewhat of a local expert on her.
Experts with the Monterey Bay Aquarium told KTVU that they had previously been able to identify Otter 841 from a colored flipper tag. However, she was last seen in the summer of 2024, and it's possible her tag has since fallen off, or this could be a different otter.
Rare Otter Behavior
While 841's surfboard swiping in the past and these most recent cases have received a lot of attention, experts explain that the behavior is unusual. It is still generally considered rare for otters to approach people on or in the water, whether on a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard, but not unheard of in other locations as well.
Experts also note that 841 was pregnant when she displayed territorial behavior with other people's surfboards. With Otter 841, the timing of her interaction behaviors coincided with her pregnancies, but it cannot be said with certainty what caused this behavior in her or other cases.
What to Do in an Otter Encounter
If you are on a surfboard, kayak, or paddleboard and are approached by a sea otter, experts advise you to stay calm and immediately try and move away from the animal. Do not attempt to photograph, touch, pet, or feed the sea otter.
In the event the animal tries to go after you or your paddling equipment, the agency recommends being loud, making splashes, and waving your arms to try and scare it away. As a last resort, if the sea otter is still trying to take over your equipment, you should engage. Use your paddle or another object to block access or push the sea otter off your craft. A gentle nudge with your paddle is acceptable if needed to protect yourself and the sea otter from harm.
Alternatively, you can also try and rock your equipment to make it unstable for the sea otter to board. Do not attempt to move the sea otter with your hands. Do not try to touch or pet the sea otter or pause to take pictures. Leave the area as soon as the sea otter is off your equipment.
Co-Existing with Marine Life
Woodward praised both the marine rescue officer and the surfer for handling their encounter with care and respect for the animal. He shared that Bella’s biggest concern was for the sea otter and for all the marine life in their local waters. She has since spoken publicly about how it’s their home and surfers are guests and need to be respected.
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