It’s a lesson that needs to be taught. When you see a cranky creature in the ocean, maybe there is more than just a bad mood causing it to act out. So when a sea otter, known to California surfers as otter 841, began stealing surfboards and knocking their owners into the water, there was some concern.

But then, months later the five-year-old otter was spotted with a pup, unveiling a new chapter in her wild journey. The 841 saga began earlier this summer when her daring antics raised concerns among wildlife officials about public safety. Plans were set in motion to capture and rehome her, but the otter’s cunning evasions turned the pursuit into a months-long game of cat and mouse.

Wildlife officials no longer have plans to capture 841 or her new pup. Photo by Mark Woodward

However, everything took an unexpected turn as she revealed her new job title: Mom. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) suspects that 841 was likely pregnant during her surfboard-stealing escapades, shedding light on her “unusual behavior.”

Hormonal surges related to pregnancy have been known to cause aggressive behavior in female southern sea otters,” per the statement.

With the revelation of her motherhood, the plans for capture have been shelved, and biologists are now focused on monitoring and understanding her behavior. Sea otters, especially new mothers, face unique challenges. Not only do they need to care for their pups, but they also must consume up to 30 percent of their body mass daily to survive. Without the blubber insulation of whales and seals, sea otters direct most of their caloric intake towards staying warm. Conservation of energy is crucial, and disturbances caused by humans can have dire consequences for the otter and her pup.

Jess Fujii, sea otter program manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, emphasizes the importance of giving sea otters space, stating, “When people get too close and cause disturbance, the otters are wasting energy when swimming away. It’s incredibly important for people to stay away from all sea otters, and especially those with pups.”

Approaching sea otters is not only detrimental to their well-being but is also illegal. California state laws, along with the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, protect these creatures. Violators could face serious consequences, including jail time and fines up to $100,000.

Otter 841’s story is unique. Born in captivity and released to the wild in 2020 after being raised at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this marks her third time giving birth. While her first pup survived, the second did not. The timing of her latest delivery remains unclear, but recent sightings with her pup underscore the delicate balance of otter life.

Otter 841 and her pup float with a gull. Photo by Mark Woodward

In the words of Mark Woodward, the photographer who has been following otter 841’s journey, “It’s a remarkable story of resilience and unexpected twists, proving once again that nature’s script is full of surprises.” Wildlife biologists echo this sentiment, emphasizing the need to observe and appreciate these creatures from a distance to ensure their well-being.

“Any attempts to approach from the water could be detrimental to the otter’s survival,” officials said. As otter 841 and her pup embark on this new chapter, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the wonders of the natural world. Watch below for a look at otter 841 and her mischievous thefts.

Sources: Smithsonian Mag | Huffpost