The Santa Cruz coastline saw an unusual scene unfold when an otter took possession of a swimmer’s surfboard and attempted to swim away with it. Channel and KSBW later reported that the moment was captured on video, bringing the incident into sharp focus for beachgoers and wildlife observers alike.
The event happened about a month ago at Cowells Beach, a popular spot where a 16-year-old surfer named Noah Wormhoudt and a friend were catching waves. The memory of the moment remains vivid for Wormhoudt, who described the encounter as surprising yet memorable. He explained that he tried to steer away from the otter as it closed in, but the animal kept approaching and eventually hopped onto the board itself. The sight of an otter commandeering a board and gliding away caught the attention of onlookers and sparked questions about animal behavior around human gear and water safety.
Eyewitness footage shows the otter grabbing the surfboard while the owner was still in the water beside it. The otter then climbed onto the board and started paddling away, prompting the owner to pursue. As the person swam by, water was sprayed toward the animal, and the otter made a rapid exit from the board, continuing to disappear along the water’s surface. The sequence of actions underscores how quickly wildlife can interact with human equipment near the shore and the range of responses that bystanders may have when witnessing such a moment.
In the broader context of wildlife behavior near urban beaches, this incident joins a growing collection of videos that illustrate otters displaying curiosity and boldness around people and their gear. Observers note that otters are highly skilled swimmers and highly agile in the water, factors that can lead to unpredictable but fascinating encounters for beach visitors. The incident serves as a reminder to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and to secure boards and equipment when not in use to prevent scenarios that may escalate for both humans and animals.
A separate report mentions the popularity of a different viral video demonstrating an otter interacting with a consumer device after it fell into a pond. That footage, which circulated online, highlights the same theme of wildlife engaging with manmade objects and the mixed reactions it provokes among viewers. Experts suggest that such incidents are opportunities to educate the public about local ecosystems and the importance of safeguarding wildlife habitats while enjoying coastal activities. In all cases, swift and calm actions by onlookers can help minimize stress for the animals while preserving the safety and enjoyment of people at the beach. This ongoing dialogue between humans and wildlife continues to unfold as more visitors share their experiences with these charismatic coastal residents.