Stop thief, that’s my board
Two years after a mischievous female otter named “841” made international headlines for hijacking surfboards off the Santa Cruz, CA coast, incidents are being reported again, though its unclear if it is the same culprit. On Wednesday, 21-year-old college student Isabella Orduna was surfing at the popular Steamer Lane break when she suddenly felt a small nip on her foot. Startled, she rolled offer board into the water, only to resurface and find her board occupied by what she described as a “big, fuzzy, chunky bear of an otter.” “I was like, wow, what do I do now?” Her encounter marked the first of two such incidents reported at Steamer Lane this week. Just a day later, another surfer’s board was commandeered by a sea otter in what locals say feels like déjà vu. In 2023, a female otter identified as Otter 841 became a statewide sensation after repeatedly commandeering surfboards and eluding wildlife rescuers. Videos of her antics spread rapidly online, turning her into an internet folk hero.
“I’d call it an exploratory nip,” Isabella told the newspaper. “It didn’t puncture my skin or anything.” While Orduna tried to tip the board over and “shoo” it away, the sea otter remained on her board. For those wondering what happened to 841, authorities stopped trying to capture her after determining that she was pregnant. After she gave birth, it was reported that she stopped trying to steal surfboards. Wildlife officials say her behavior could have been the result of pregnancy related hormones.
When first responders arrived, they found the surfer in the water and the otter lounging on her board. It was only when Ben Coffey with the Santa Cruz Fire Department intervened that she managed to get back her board. The otter, however, was relentless. It followed Isabella until she gave up the board and she climbed onto Coffey’s board to reach shore. Coffey later returned to retrieve the surfboard from the determined little thief. Another otter hijacked the board right before the owner’s eyes. The Coffey managed to reclaim it, but the animal continued to chase him. It even grabbed the surfboard leash and tried pulling it backward. Meanwhile, they are urging surfers to be vigilant. They recommend clapping, splashing water, and paddling back to shore if an otter approaches.
Surfboard security
Why did the Surfer get lost at Sea?
Cuz he never learned the alphabet.
What is an ironing board?
A surf board which gave up on its dreams and went to work.
What did the seal say to the walrus after dating him for three months?
I think we should sea otter people.
If Iron man and Silver surfer…
teamed up they would be Alloys.
June 25th Birthdays
1972 – Angela Kinsley, 1982 – Jamie Genevieve, 1975 – Linda Cardellini, 1943 – Carly Simon,
1964 – Dell Curry, 1956 – Anthony Bourdain, 1963 – George Michael, 1963 – Ricky Gervais