Agency says sea turtle eggs laid on California beaches are a first for the US West Coast

Huntington Beach, California witnessed a remarkable event when a sea turtle laid eggs on the U.S. West Coast. This could be the same turtle that laid eggs three days later, near Huntington Beach Pier in Orange County, according to authorities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed this as the first-ever recorded natural nesting for any sea turtle species on the West Coast, stating that it's an exciting development.

Olive ridley turtles, the species involved, are the smallest sea turtles, weighing up to 100 pounds. These turtles are primarily found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, but not on the U.S. West Coast. The first nesting was discovered near Seal Beach on September 16, followed by the discovery at Huntington Beach.

Both sites were later fenced off to protect the nests. Incubation typically takes 45 to 60 days. Trevor McDonald, marine safety chief at the Huntington Beach Fire Department, expressed excitement about the event, noting that it's unusual to see a turtle laying eggs. Lifeguards, patrolling at night, observed a turtle digging in the sand and later saw it laying eggs.

Parents like Heidi Stephen and George Zamora were thrilled to witness this rare occurrence with their children.