Giant Squid Washing Up On Calif. Beaches

El Niño May Be To Blame

SAN DIEGO -- Hundreds of giant squid are washing up on the beaches of San Diego's upscale La Jolla Coves, possibly as a result of warm El Niño weather patterns, according to local scientists.

The squid may be getting stuck in a warm water current and pushed onto San Diego shores, KGTV-TV reported. The beachings are creating a big problem for swimmers and a big stink for residents.

The area is popular with divers and snorkelers, but officials are concerned that the squids' ink may be unhealthy.

The jumbo flying squid, known by their scientific name Dosidicus gigas, normally nestle in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Their natural habitat ranges from Oregon to Peru.

The beach strandings puzzle Annette Henry, a state marine biologist.

"I don't know why they are dying," she said. "They seem to be perfectly healthy squid."

Scientists noticed another strange stranding in May when tiny red crabs that looked like miniature lobsters covered San Diego's Ocean Beach area.

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