Otter Terrorizes Surfers

An aggressive sea otter in California has been causing trouble for surfers at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. The 5-year-old female otter has been known for confronting surfers and kayakers, even stealing their boards. Videos of the otter riding surfboards and chewing on them have been circulating on social media. While some find it amusing, officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service consider the otter a public safety risk. The otter's behavior is described as "concerning and unusual," it could be linked to hormonal changes or being fed by humans. The Southern sea otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act and California law. Efforts are underway by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to catch and relocate the otter to a safer location. If caught, the otter will undergo an examination before being moved to its new home, as it is no longer considered suitable for release into the wild.