"This time, the identity of the otter is unclear. That's because while 841 (who was born in captivity) carried a light blue tag on her right flipper, this otter is naked. Experts say 841 could have chewed off her tag, or it could have broken off on its own. Otter flipper tags are designed to last an animal's lifespan, but research shows they don't always last so long."
"It's also possible this is an entirely different otter who may have watched 841 in the past, and is adopting her curious and bold behavior. It could be a relative. Or it could be this otter just has a similar surfboard appetite and hostage-taking drive. Mark Woodward, a Santa Cruz-based social media influencer, said he wasn't sure whether this was 841, or someone different. He said the animal's behaviors and M.O. were almost identical."
A sea otter at Steamer Lane has resumed biting surfers and stealing surfboards, repeating behavior seen two years earlier. The otter lacks the light blue flipper tag worn by 841, so its identity remains uncertain. Otter flipper tags are designed to last a lifespan but can be lost or chewed off. The new otter's behavior and M.O. closely resemble 841's, though it has been observed farther offshore near kelp beds. Observers consider possibilities that it is 841 with a missing tag, a different otter copying the behavior, or a relative. About three dozen surfers were present during recent sightings.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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