Overview
- On Oct. 15, UC Santa Cruz student Isabella Orduna reported a nip to her foot before an otter occupied her surfboard for about 20 minutes at Steamer Lane.
- Santa Cruz lifeguards and harbor patrol brought Orduna to shore without puncture wounds and later recovered her board, according to a fire department report.
- Photographer Mark Woodward documented at least one additional encounter the next day, including an otter grabbing a surfer’s leash and pulling him backward.
- Warning signs calling out an “aggressive sea otter” were posted at the break, and lifeguards issued guidance to get off the board, clap, splash water, and tow the board toward shore if needed.
- Experts note that repeated human contact can reduce otters’ fear and that otters may learn board‑taking behavior from one another, even as questions persist about whether famed Otter 841 is involved.