Santa Cruz’s Surfing Gear Bandit Otter Welcomes Adorable New Addition To Her Family

“Surf Otter 841” has risen from a nuisance to a beloved member of the Santa Cruz community. This pint-sized surfing powerhouse has created a permanent place in the hearts of all with her impressive wave-riding skills and playful personality. So much so that many are looking beyond her mischievous nature that comes out through her daring heists. Now, she has the chance to impart both her heisting and surfing skills to a little one.

Otter 841 has paused her life as a felon to raise a little pup. The proud mother was caught on camera recently taking care of her young one. Thanks to his mother’s cunning, the little pup was born free in the wild and can draw sustenance from nature.

Surfing otter eludes capture to give birth

Ever since Otter 841 began her antics and accosted surfers, the authorities have tried to bring her into captivity. With the knowledge about her penchant for surfboards, Wildlife officials tried to lure him with a decoy board. But the savvy surfing otter was not hoodwinked by this strategic plan. Local photographer Mark Woodward, who has been documenting Otter 841’s escapades for months, provided an update about the recent development in Otter 841’s life. He gave an exclusive to Kron 4, saying, “It was kind of an emotional moment. We all need good news in this world right now”. He saw the mother and pup on Tuesday floating on a kelp bed near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse.

Woodward had been looking for the otter ever since he found her pregnant on Friday. He searched for four days in the chilly weather only to find the surfing legend in Monterey Bay on Tuesday. Both mother and child were napping peacefully while the photographer took some heart-melting shots. He said, “I felt like a proud a papa. 841 is the only wild animal I’ve ever photographed again, and again, and again”. With becoming the important figure in the young pup’s life, Mark Woodward now has a big responsibility on his hands.

Mark Woodward embracing the role of protector

Mark Woodward will need to safeguard his adopted family at this critical stage of their lives. He has requested privacy for Otter 841 and her pup. However, kayakers and boaters frequently pass through the area, making his job extremely difficult. He hopes that people will respect his plea and abide by the Endangered Species Act that protects the otters. Woodward explained the reason for his concern, saying, “Sea otters have to eat a lot. She can’t afford to be chased off by anybody. It’s really critical. People need to stay away. Don’t get in your kayak. Watch from West Cliff Drive”.

Read More: Pregnant Otter Stole a Surfer’s Board in One of the Most Hilarious Videos in 2022

Meanwhile, Otter 841 is fulfilling her maternal role to perfection. During the 45 minutes that Woodward spent with them, she kept diving underwater for food and coming back up to check on her pup. She needs to eat in order to stay warm in the cold waters. She uses her body heat to keep her pup warm and nourished. While she is nursing the little one, she has curbed her surfing zeal. Her fans cannot wait for her to start surfing once again, and this time, she will have an adorable little partner.

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