Nobody in this quintessential beach town can say exactly why a sea otter began harassing surfers and stealing their boards a month ago, but officials can tell you that California’s most-wanted sea mammal is definitely refusing to surrender quietly. The swimmer, attached to the board by a leash, would then tow the otter — still on the board — toward the boat. On Tuesday, a crowd of eight onlookers stopped along a fence, just south of the Santa Cruz lighthouse, and pointed down at the otter. Zach Friend, a Santa Cruz County supervisor, texted a Times reporter: “Just FYI. “Teams will continue to attempt safe capture of this sea otter,” said McConnell, “and will coordinate with suitable licensed facilities to provide her with long-term care as an ambassador for her species in a zoo or aquarium.”©2023 Los Angeles Times.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 21, 2023 17:12 UTC