Olive ridley sea turtle nests on Southern California beach

An olive ridley sea turtle nested near Seal Beach, California, on September 16, laying eggs about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Officials say this is believed to be the first time a sea turtle has nested on the West Coast in recorded history.

Olive ridley turtles normally live in warm, tropical ocean waters, so nesting this far north is extremely unusual. Scientists are not sure why the turtle came to California.

The eggs will need 45 to 60 days to incubate. Authorities are watching the nest carefully because the event is considered historically important. If the eggs hatch successfully, it will be another remarkable moment for the California coast.