Living in the 831: Monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove
Scott Rates
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV) — Monarch butterflies are quite a sight to see, arriving mid-October and staying in the area through the end of February.
But, these butterflies are starting to dwindle.
“Ever since we began monitoring monarch butterflies — since the 1990s — what we have seen is a steep decrease in their population, an over 95% drop,” said Natalie Johnson, who works at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
What’s causing the drop in these species? There are a few factors…
“One of the reasons is habitat loss,” said Johnson. “Another is pesticides, and clime change.”
Butterflies, in general in the United States, are seeing a dramatic decline. Scientists saying that there was a 22% decline from 2000 to 2020.
They say that for every five butterflies seen 20 years ago, today there are only four.
“In 2020 there were zero butterflies here in the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary,” said Johnson. “There were fewer than 2,000 all over California, and so when there was a rebound in 2021, that brought increased attention to the monarchs again.”
The community in Pacific Grove hoping that these majestic creatures can make a comeback; a comeback so the folks in the area can flutter with joy for many years.