California’s Aggressive Surfboard-Stealing Otter Reemerges After 2 Years
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An infamous otter known for its aggressive surfboard-stealing behaviour may have resurfaced in California after a two-year hiatus. The otter, labelled as Otter 841, gained notoriety in 2023 for its string of attacks on surfers and kayakers. The recent incident has sparked concerns about the return of this troublesome otter, leaving the locals on edge.
The latest encounter took place in Santa Cruz, where a surfer named Isabella Orduna reported being bitten by an otter, which then stubbornly clung onto her surfboard for about 20 minutes. Fortunately, Orduna was unharmed, thanks to the swift response of local officials who came to her rescue. The similarities in the recent attack have raised suspicions that Otter 841 may be back to its old antics.
Speaking about the terrifying ordeal, Orduna recounted the moment she felt a sharp nip on her foot, leading to the startling realisation that an otter had perched itself on her board. Marine safety officer Ben Coffey, who assisted in the rescue, expressed surprise at the unexpected turn of events, emphasizing the calmness and good fortune that prevailed during the incident.
The reappearance of the surfboard-stealing otter has revived memories of the otter’s previous exploits in 2023, where it was captured on video displaying aggressive behaviour towards surfers and swimmers. Mark Woodward, a local photographer, described a particularly intense encounter with Otter 841, likening it to a wrestling match as the otter battled for control of the surfboard.
Otter 841, originally released into the wild as a young pup in 2020 after being raised at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, has a history of confrontational interactions with humans. Despite efforts by California officials to track and monitor the otter’s activities, the current status of its tracker remains inactive, making it challenging to ascertain whether the recent attacks are indeed the handiwork of Otter 841.
The community in Santa Cruz is on high alert following the resurgence of otter-related incidents, with local experts suggesting that Otter 841 may be reclaiming its territory. Jessica Fujii, the sea otter program manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, acknowledged the elusive nature of Otter 841, acknowledging the difficulties in capturing and managing the otter’s behaviour.
As authorities grapple with the prospect of Otter 841’s return, concerns for public safety continue to mount. The lingering uncertainty surrounding the otter’s whereabouts and intentions has reignited discussions about wildlife conservation and cohabitation along California’s coastline. The residents await further updates on the situation, hoping for a resolution that ensures both human safety and the well-being of the otter population.