MONARCH BUTTERFLIES MOVE THROUGH THE PANHANDLE IN NUMBERS NOT SEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS

Thousands of monarch butterflies have reached the Texas Panhandle as their fall migration moves through the region toward Mexico.

The sightings offer residents a chance to see the migration in local gardens and natural areas. Texas sits between the butterflies’ northern breeding grounds and the areas where they spend the winter.

Monarchs begin moving into parts of Texas in late September during a journey that can stretch about 2,000 miles.

Greg Lusk, executive director of the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, said the area has not seen a migration this large in several years. He said the gardens were glad to have the butterflies, while noting he did not know exactly what brought so many through the region.

The Panhandle could continue seeing monarchs for several more weeks, depending on when colder weather arrives. A cold front or freeze can push the migration farther south.

Another wave of monarchs moves through Texas later in October. Most are expected to have passed into Mexico by early November.

For families watching yards or visiting gardens this weekend, the butterflies are passing through on a seasonal journey.

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