Big squid washing up on Ore. beach

[September 23, 2009]  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Dozens of large squid are reportedly washing up dead on the central Oregon coast near Heceta Head.

Oregon State Parks and Recreation spokesman Chris Havel tells the Oregonian his office is hearing reports of dozens of what are probably Humboldt squid. He says they're typically much more common in warmer waters around Santa Cruz, Calif.

Havel says the carnivorous invertebrates could be at the end of their life cycle, or could be dying because of disease or lack of food. Humboldt squid can grow up to 6 feet long.

They've also showed up recently in waters off the Washington coast and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Washington state and British Columbia's Vancouver Island.

NOAA oceanographer Kent Baltz of Santa Cruz said earlier a "strong hypothesis" for why the squid have moved north is that the ocean water is warmer than usual.

[Associated Press]

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