Record number of endangered butterflies released

CONCORD, N.H.—A record number of Karner blue butterflies have been released in Concord, New Hampshire, as part of a project to restore the endangered species.

The state Fish and Game Department released 1,600 butterflies in the Concord Pine Barrens, a sandy wooded area that features the butterfly's sole food source, the wild blue lupine. That's the most the state has ever raised in captivity and released. Others are being kept inside to reproduce.

In 1999, there were no Karner blues left in the state. This is the fourth year that they have been observed surviving on their own in the wild. Local school children have helped with the restoration project by growing and planting the wild blue lupine.