UPDATE: Puckish sea otters are stealing surfboards at Santa Cruz’s famed Steamer Lane, prompting local officials to issue an urgent warning. Just yesterday, on July 13, 2023, a female southern sea otter commandeered a surfer’s board, igniting a series of unusual interactions that have left beachgoers both amused and concerned.
Captured on camera by Shmuel Thaler, the viral image shows a surfer riding a wave while an otter periscopes out of the water, seemingly intrigued by the action. Sea otter expert Gena Bentall initially thought the photo was artificial intelligence-generated due to the otter’s unusual posture, but it reflects a growing trend of otter-surf interaction at this iconic spot.
On Wednesday, July 12, an otter hopped onto a surfer’s longboard and lounged atop it before swimming away. Reports from Thursday indicate at least four otters were present in the water, with one even grabbing a surfer’s leash, pulling them backward until they managed to paddle away. Local photographer Mark Woodward witnessed the antics, emphasizing that the otters appear to fixate on specific boards, disregarding others.
As these playful interactions escalate, Santa Cruz Fire Department spokesperson Katie Lee confirmed that a warning sign has been posted at Steamer Lane. The sign reads: “Warning. Aggressive sea otter in this area. Enter the water at your own risk. Keep away from marine wildlife.” This precaution comes from guidance provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The infamous Otter 841, who gained fame last year for similar antics, remains a point of speculation. Authorities believe she chewed off her tracking device, leaving her current activities unknown. The recent behavior of the otters could be a direct result of increased human interaction, as Bentall notes that with around 3,000 sea otters off California’s coast, these encounters are becoming more common.
With summer drawing beachgoers to Steamer Lane, the likelihood of more otter-surf interactions increases. Bentall warns that each encounter demands energy from the otters, which can be detrimental to their well-being. “They cannot live their lives that way because of the high premium on energy,” she stated.
Local surfers are urged to be cautious and to discourage otters from approaching by making noise or splashing lightly. “I can’t speak to what’s going on in an otter’s brain that’s trying to get on a surfboard,” Bentall added, but she believes their familiarity with humans is a contributing factor.
As interactions between surfers and sea otters continue to unfold, the community is left watching closely. What started as amusing encounters are raising serious concerns about wildlife behavior, human impact, and the health of these charismatic marine mammals. The world is watching Santa Cruz—stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
