A California sea otter recently captured the internet's attention after stealing a surfer's board at Steamer Lane, a popular Santa Cruz surf spot.
The incident occurred Wednesday, according to the Santa Cruz Fire Department, which shared a report in a social media post.
According to the fire department, two lifeguards approached a group of surfers after fire units responded to "a confirmed water rescue at Steamer Lane for a surfer who was possibly bitten by an otter."
Upon arrival to the group, the lifeguards encountered "a group of surfers surrounding a surfer in the water and an otter who appeared to be sitting on the victim's board."
After investigating further, one lifeguard indicated no further assistance was needed, and the victim was removed from the water.
The victim was determined to have suffered no injuries and was not bitten by an otter, the fire department said.
The lifeguards were able to retrieve the board from the water and returned it to the victim, according to the fire department.
Southern sea otters, which are often referred to as California sea otters, populate the central coast of California and are popular coastal companions to California tourists and residents, though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends maintaining a safe distance from the creatures.
The agency estimates that as of 2022, there were about 3,000 southern sea otters living in the wild.
