Sea Otter dies crossing the road

A sea otter affectionately known as Mr. Enchilada is dead, the victim of a hit and run driver.

According to the Moss Landing Harbormaster, an employee saw a car hit the otter as it tried to cross Moss Landing Road on the evening of July 3, 2016. The driver failed to stop.

Although it is rare for sea otters to spend much time on dry land, experts say the animal took to the road to reach the south harbor from nearby wetlands to the north. The water route under the road was blocked by closed tidal gates.

According to a post on the Facebook page of Sea Otter Savvy, a concerned neighbor has posted a “Sea Otter Crossing” sign to warn drivers.