With awe inspiring migrations of 3,000 miles or more and their stunning beauty, Monarch butterflies are recognized throughout North America as fanciful symbols of summer. Over the past 20 years, however, Monarchs and other butterflies have been decreasing at alarming rates.

Monarch butterflies are likely to be added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species Act in the near future. Reasons for their decline are subject to study, but loss of habitat and exposure to pesticides are suspected causes. Learn more about butterflies from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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