Jumbo Squid Wash Ashore After Earthquake

Humboldt Squid (Dosidicus gigas) photographed by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institution’s remotely operated vehicle Tiburon at a depth of about 300 meters over Davidson Seamount, off the Central California coast. Credit: courtesy of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institution

Fishermen hold up Humboldt squid in Ventura, Calif. The squid, which can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh more than 110 pounds, is invading central California waters and preying on local anchovy, hake and other commercial fish populations, according to a study published Tuesday. Credit: Dana Rene Bowler/Ventura County Star/AP

Dozens of large creatures called jumbo Humboldt squid washed up on La Jolla Shores beach in Southern California Saturday after a 4.0 earthquake, centered offshore, shook homes in the area.

Residents tried to toss them back into the water before seagulls pecked away, according to a local news report.

There has been no connection made between the quake and the beaching of squid, which were up to 4 feet long, so for now the whole thing's a mystery.

During the day, the somewhat mysterious jumbo squid are known to descend to lower depths in the ocean to rest, slowing down their metabolism to deal with the lower oxygen levels there. At night, they return to well-oxygenated waters nearer the surface to feed. The beasts can grow to 7 feet long.

Check out these videos of a different squid species, rarely seen: 1, 2, 3.