Sea Otter Hijacks Surfboard Off Vancouver Island, Prompts Safety Warning

A group of surfers off Whiffin Spit in Sooke, B.C., had an unexpected encounter when a sea otter repeatedly climbed onto a surfboard and swam after them on Saturday. Videos and photos of the unusual incident, shared on social media, show the otter riding waves alongside the surfers, despite their attempts to paddle away.

Paul Cottrell of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Marine Mammal Response says the surfers handled the situation correctly by trying to avoid the animal. “Wild sea otters can be unpredictable, carry diseases, and may bite if they feel threatened,” he explained.

Rare Behavior but Not Unheard Of

Photographer Doug Clement witnessed the encounter, saying the otter lingered with the surfers for over an hour.

“The surfers were clearly trying to get away,” Clement said. “But the otter just kept following, floating on its back and staring at them when they stopped. When they moved, it would follow.”

Similar behavior has been reported elsewhere, such as a sea otter in Santa Cruz, California, that became infamous for chasing surfers and taking over their boards in 2023.

Possible Predators Nearby

Clement speculated that the otter might have been seeking refuge from predators like sea lions, a behavior sometimes observed in seals. “It might have been trying to climb onto the board for safety,” he said.

Fisheries Monitoring the Situation

Cottrell noted that while such interactions are rare, the otter may be the same animal reported approaching paddleboarders in the area last fall. If more “negative interactions” occur, the DFO may consider relocating the otter. For now, signs have been posted in the area to warn visitors.

“This is not typical behavior for a sea otter,” Cottrell said, adding that people should report any accidental interactions with wild sea mammals to ensure everyone’s safety.

Other Recent Incidents

The otter encounter comes shortly after another unusual marine mammal sighting on Vancouver Island. A sea lion disrupted traffic by wandering onto Highway 4 near Kennedy Lake before being safely herded back to the water by police and Parks Canada staff.

Authorities stress the importance of notifying them promptly in such cases to prevent harm to both animals and humans.