Sea Turtles Nest on CA Coast
Sea turtles have made history in Southern California after laying eggs on the U.S. West Coast for the first time on record. The first nest was discovered near Seal Beach in September, followed just three days later by another near the Huntington Beach Pier. Authorities believe an olive ridley turtle was responsible for both nests. Olive ridleys are the smallest sea turtle species and typically live in warmer tropical waters, making their appearance on California beaches especially unusual. Lifeguards initially thought the first turtle might be struggling in the sand before realizing she was digging a nest and laying eggs. Both nesting areas have since been fenced off to protect them from beachgoers and other disturbances while the eggs incubate, which typically takes 45 to 60 days. Researchers and local residents are now hopeful the historic nests will successfully hatch, potentially marking an exciting new chapter for sea turtles along California’s coastline.
Image via AP
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