Cook County family helps butterfly navigate the cold, snowy start to spring

It’s been a cold, snowy transition to spring along the North Shore this year. And while many have been grumbling about the weather in the community, other ‘residents’ of the area don’t have the luxury of keeping the woodstove going or simply turning up the furnace to stay warm.

Among these other residents are our winged friends. And it’s not just birds that are wondering if and when a real spring is ever going to pop, it’s insects as well, including the beautiful butterflies that call this area home.

One Cook County family recently helped a butterfly that was impacted by the cold spring. The Hansel family on Good Harbor Hill rescued a comma butterfly this spring. It’s been living in their house for several weeks now, as snow continues to fall with less than one week before May.

After securing the butterfly, the Hansels needed a place to store it. And they kept it simple, using what they had available. They built a makeshift cage of sorts, though it’s more upscale lodging than the average tree stump.

That being the case, the Hansel family are hoping to release the butterfly soon.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins recently visited the Hansel household and shares this report. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins April 26, 2022