A sea otter has resumed attacking surfers and taking their boards at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California. Isabella Orduna was surfing Wednesday evening when the otter bit her foot and climbed onto her surfboard. “I’d call it an exploratory nip,” Orduna said. “It didn’t puncture my skin or anything.” The otter stayed on her board for about 20 minutes before other beachgoers helped drive it away. Local photographer Mark Woodward captured photos of Orduna’s encounter and returned Thursday to witness the otter commandeering another surfer’s board. The second victim was a teenage boy who tried paddling away, but the otter grabbed his board’s leash and pulled him backward. Beach officials posted a warning sign Thursday stating “Aggressive sea otter in this area. Enter the water at your own risk.” The incidents recall Otter 841, a female otter that became notorious in 2023 for similar surfboard thefts. (Story URL)
Sea Otter Returns To Stealing Surfboards At California Beach
Oct 20, 2025 | 8:01 PM