Western monarch butterflies are returning to California for the winter — and there are lots more than last year

Western monarch butterflies are being seen in greater numbers after an all-time low of less than 2,000 butterflies counted last year, according to Xerces Society, which works to protect the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.

The butterflies are tracked in coastal California, where they overwinter – or migrate to for the winter months. Last year, less than 300 western monarchs were counted in Pacific Grove, Pismo Beach, and Big Sur. This year, 10,000 have been counted at each site, the society says.

More of these dwindling butterflies were also counted in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Ventura, Los Angeles and elsewhere. As of November 12, at least 50,000 have been counted at overwinter sites, with more sites that have yet to be visited.