Sea Otter Steals Surfboard in Santa Crauz

A Santa Cruz sea otter is going viral after her repeated hassling of surfers. In a video shared by CBS News, the otter can be seen climbing onto a surfboard and refusing to give it back to the surfer. The sea otter can also be seen biting the board, which is a soft foam longboard. 

Source: CBS News/YouTube

This is not the first time the sea otter has claimed a surfer’s board for herself. While the sea otter’s behavior may seem like innocent entertainment, wildlife officials have become concerned with the five-year-old female’s behavior. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has asked surfers, kayakers, and other people engaging in ocean recreation to avoid the sea otter if possible. Additionally, people are asked to refrain from encouraging the sea otters’ behavior. Sadly, the sea otter will most likely need to be captured and re-homed as she is supposedly displaying “aggressive” behavior which wildlife officials are worried may cause her to pose a threat to humans. 

Sea otters are a keystone species for California’s marine ecosystem. Sign this petition to Protect Sea Otters!

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