Dead squid washing up on Northern California beaches

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.