Sea Otters Steal Surfboards at Santa Cruz: Urgent Warning Issued

URGENT UPDATE: Sea otters are making waves at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, stealing surfboards and raising safety concerns among surfers. Just hours ago, authorities issued a warning after multiple interactions between otters and surfers were reported on October 19, 2023.

A viral photo captured by Sentinel photographer Shmuel Thaler shows a female southern sea otter curiously peering at a surfer riding a wave. This striking image underscores the peculiar behavior of these marine mammals recently observed at the iconic surf break. Gena Bentall, a sea otter expert, initially dismissed the image as a hoax due to the otter’s unusual posture, but it’s part of a troubling trend.

On October 18, an otter commandeered a surfer’s board, lounging on it before swimming away. The very next day, another otter was seen tugging on a surfer’s leash, prompting questions about whether this could be the infamous Otter 841, known for similar antics that gained international attention in 2023. Authorities report that Otter 841 had previously been fitted with a radio transmitter, which she reportedly chewed off, leaving her whereabouts uncertain.

The scene at Steamer Lane has become chaotic as surfers navigate not only the waves but also the increasingly bold otters. Witnesses describe at least four otters swimming among surfers, with one otter even pursuing a teenage surfer who had managed to shake it off his board. “The otter just wanted that board,” local photographer Mark Woodward noted, emphasizing the otter’s single-minded focus.

In response to these incidents, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has posted warning signs at Steamer Lane, alerting beachgoers to the presence of aggressive sea otters. The sign reads: “Warning. Aggressive sea otter in this area. Enter the water at your own risk. Keep away from marine wildlife.” This precautionary measure underscores the seriousness of the situation as surfers gear up for their sessions.

Despite the warnings, Bentall explains that this behavior may stem from the otters becoming habituated to human activity. With around 3,000 sea otters populating California’s coast, the overlap between their habitat and popular surf spots means that interactions are likely to increase. “The more exposure these otters have to humans, the more daring they become,” she stated.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed they will not take further action beyond the posted warnings, deferring to federal authorities due to the southern sea otter’s protected status. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has also stated that their staff will follow the lead of federal fish and wildlife authorities.

As these interactions become more frequent, experts warn of the potential harm to sea otters. Unlike other marine mammals, otters rely on their fur for warmth and must constantly feed to maintain their body temperature. Each encounter with humans forces them to expend energy they could otherwise use for survival.

The situation at Steamer Lane is rapidly evolving, and surfers are urged to remain vigilant. If you encounter an otter, experts recommend swimming away or making noise to discourage the animal’s behavior.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities monitor the situation at Santa Cruz. Surfers and beachgoers are encouraged to report any unusual interactions with sea otters to the Monterey Bay Aquarium at 831-648-4840.