Dead squid washing up on Northern California beaches

APTOS, Calif. (KABC) -- Scientists are trying to find out why thousands of Humboldt squid carcasses are washing up on beaches in Northern California.

The dead squid have washed ashore from Aptos to Watsonville -- a span of 12 miles. The squid are juveniles, about a foot and a half long, weighing around three pounds.

They had full stomachs, having eaten smaller market squid. A few also cannibalized each other, which is normal.

Researchers think the squid may have eaten toxic algae, causing them to become disoriented and swim onto the beach.

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