Posted on 07/23/2023 2:49:01 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Otter 841 has quickly become a phenomenon ever since the viral video back in mid-June. Folks from around the world have made their way to West Cliff Drive to try and get a peak at Santa Cruz’s most wanted sea otter.
"I'm up here visiting friends, but I have also heard about 841 and I thought I'd come up and see her in the wild,” said Peter Cresco, visiting from Los Angeles.
The craze is turning into dollar signs for some choosing to capitalize on the otter’s popularity. Anything from shirts, jackets, and mugs can be found online with a quick Google search of Otter 841.
"It's a fine line. A lot of people are trying to make a quick buck. I get it, at the same time, we need to be respectful of the marine life and especially 841. She's not out there for people to make money on,” said Mark Woodward, @NativeSantaCruz on Twitter.
Otters are already a huge economic driver for the Monterey Bay, but some argue Otter 841 is the most famous of them all.
“I actually looked up on Twitter the different names involving otter 841 and a whole bunch of them have already been taken,” Woodward said.
Local shops say they’ve seen more foot traffic following the viral video.
“We've definitely been having customers come in and say, have you seen the otter do you know the name of the Otter? They want to make names for the otter, but a lot of people have been coming in, hoping to see it at some point, disappointed when they don't, excited when they do,” said Dani Chargualaf, Streamer Lane Supply.
A local brewery, Sante Adairius Rustic Ale, already brews an IPA called 831, for the area code of the area, but now they are planning on making an 841 beer in honor of the otter.
As of now, Otter 841 is swimming freely, but officials say not for long. Their goal is to capture her safely, this though, prompting pushback and debate. A movement is quickly growing around keeping her free.
“I know there's folks out there that don't want us to intervene with this animal, but again, our goal is to find that balance. We want to take care of the animals and the natural resources, but also protect humans,” said Mike Harris, California Fish & Wildlife.
Crews have tried various tactics, so far, but all attempts have been unsuccessful. In the meantime, some surfers say she’s not stopping them from going out and catching waves.
“I'd rather give the otter, my surfboard other than my hand. I would not want to lose my hand,” says Michael Ortalic, Santa Cruz visitor.
Officials want to use this popularity to remind folks to not go out into the water to get up close with the otter, as it can be dangerous, and is illegal. Because the Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary, it is illegal to be in a certain length distance from the animals.
The aggressive otter without boundaries that’s stealing everyone’s heart. And surf boards.
what?
Anyone else think mental health is a problem in this country?
Ever feel like you’re living in a Monty Python skit?
Come on. Something lighthearted, zany, and fun in July…just what the doctor ordered.
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