Two olive ridley sea turtle nests were discovered in mid-September near Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge and Huntington Beach, marking the first-ever confirmed instance of natural sea turtle nesting on the U.S. West Coast. I read the announcement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which confirmed that this is an unprecedented development for the region.
The olive ridley is a species of sea turtle that typically nests along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. Biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are monitoring both nests and have cordoned off the areas to protect them from disturbances.
What this means for California homeowners
If you live near the coast in Southern California, you are unlikely to encounter a sea turtle in your yard, but this event signals a shift in marine wildlife patterns that could bring other species closer to shore. The nests were found on sandy beaches, and the agencies involved are urging anyone who sees a sea turtle on the beach to keep a safe distance, not to touch the animal, and to report the sighting to local wildlife authorities.
If you do encounter a sea turtle or any wild animal behaving unusually near your home, you can check our guide on DIY vs Professional Wildlife Removal to decide whether you need help. For repelling animals that may wander onto your property, consider the products listed in The 6 Best Wildlife Repellents That Actually Work.
The primary source for this story is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service news announcement.
