A Sea Turtle Just Made History Nesting on a California Beach

Sea turtles are making history in California. Read on for the details of the first recorded natural sea turtle nesting on the West Coast, and what could be

Sea Turtle Observed Laying Eggs on Southern California Beach

An olive ridley sea turtle was recently observed laying eggs on a beach in Orange County, California. The observation marks the first recorded natural sea turtle nesting on the West Coast. The nest was found near Seal Beach on September 16. Huntington Beach Fire Department Marine Safety lifeguards took action to protect the nest by building a perimeter around the turtle.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were informed about the spotting so that they could further monitor the area. It was just a few days later that NOAA reported that a sea turtle was observed on the beach a few miles from the Huntington Beach Pier.

The average incubation period of an olive ridley sea turtle is 45 to 60 days. The nest is now fenced off, and people are being told to avoid this part of the beach.

Adult olive ridley sea turtles typically grow between 2.5 and 3 feet long and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Protected under the Endangered Species Act, the turtles can live up to 50 years.