SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (FOX26) — A young surfer named Bella had an unexpected encounter with a sea otter while catching waves in Santa Cruz.
The playful otter decided to take a nibble at her foot.
Another surfer helped Bella onto his board, while the otter claimed hers.
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A rescue swimmer quickly joined the scene, and together they made their way to shore, with the otter in hot pursuit.
After reaching the shore, the rescue swimmer went back for the board, which again had the otter on it.
Bella, who emerged with just a small scratch, expressed her concern for the otter’s well-being, saying she hopes it won’t face any consequences.
She acknowledged that the water is home to sea otters and accepts the risks of sharing the ocean with these furry residents.
Our friend “Santa Cruz Native” said, “Within minutes of me posting the earlier photo, my phone went crazy with news media wanting info, it really took me back to my 841 days!”
841 refers to Santa Cruz’s famous sea otter 841, which has been in the news for the past few years.
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Despite the excitement, Bella is eager to return to the waves soon.