Where to see migrating monarch butterflies as they head south for winter
WASHINGTON —
As fall begins, monarch butterflies are also making their annual journey south for winter.
Millions of monarchs are traveling over parts of the U.S. now, stopping only at night. Some will even make a journey as far as 3,000 miles.
Many people have a chance to see monarchs that are migrating, but certain geographies have peak times.
For example, the peak abundance time for monarchs in the more northern parts of the United States starts in August. Southern parts of the United States see a peak abundance around late October.
Use the map to see when peak migration is where you live. The estimates were calculated by Monarch Watch using submitted data.
About 99% of monarch butterflies live east of the Rocky Mountains and migrate south to Mexico for winter, meeting up to pass over Texas. A much smaller population lives west of the Rockies, migrating to the California coast for winter.
Monarch butterflies are not federally protected since they are not listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, but their population has declined over several decades.
Organizations that support the conservation of monarch butterflies recommend that people who want to help the migrating insects:
Plant milkweed plants to house monarch caterpillars.Plant native nectar flowers.Reduce the use of pesticides.