Molesting Butterflies is a Crime in California
In California, certain cities have enacted ordinances that prohibit the molestation or interference with monarch butterflies, aiming to protect these species during their annual migrations. For instance, Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town USA,” imposes fines up to $1,000 for such offenses. Similarly, San Leandro’s municipal code prohibits molesting or interfering with monarch butterflies at specific city-owned locations. These laws underscore the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation, though their unusual phrasing has sparked curiosity (latimes.com).
