Sea turtles nest on Orange County beaches for the first time

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - There was a historic discovery along the Southern California coast as sea turtles were seen nesting on Orange County beaches this month.

That's something scientists said has never before been documented on the West Coast.

The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest sea turtle species.

Experts said they normally nest farther South in Baja California, so warmer water temperatures may play a part in causing them to move North.

The adult turtles have moved on now, leaving their eggs to incubate. If all goes well, they should hatch in 45 to 60 days.