Monarchs Chase This Dog On Every Hike And His Reaction Says Everything
Guest Contributor
In the heart of the Amazonian jungle, a terrier mix named Polar is quietly earning a reputation as the "guardian of the butterflies." On daily hikes through the lush lowland forests of Madre de Dios, Peru, this mostly-white dog becomes the center of an enchanting phenomenon: he is regularly swarmed by monarch butterflies. The moment Polar steps into the jungle with his family, he draws the attention of these vibrant orange insects, who flutter around him and perch delicately on his fur. For those who have seen the videos, it's a mesmerizing sight that’s as serene as it is surreal.
Polar’s human, TikTok user @abychan12 (Abichan), documents these hikes along with Polar’s fur brother, Calvin. While both dogs enjoy their treks through the jungle, it’s Polar who gets the special treatment from the monarchs. According to the TikTok clips shared by Abichan, the butterflies seem to be irresistibly drawn to Polar’s white fur. They land on his back and neck, their wings opening and closing in a rhythmic display that gives the dog a temporary orange adornment. The videos have captivated viewers, many of whom are enchanted by the peaceful interaction between the dog and the butterflies.
One clip shows Polar calmly standing as dozens of butterflies settle on him. Though he tolerates the attention for a few seconds, Polar eventually shakes them off and continues his hike. But the butterflies are persistent. Within minutes, they return, once again covering him in a delicate, fluttering blanket. It’s a cycle that repeats throughout the walk, creating a magical pattern that only seems to involve Polar.
The reason behind this unique attraction may be surprisingly simple. A TikTok commenter, @karlysol3, suggested that butterflies are naturally drawn to white surfaces. She noted that in Michoacán, Mexico, where monarch butterflies are famously abundant, wearing white clothing can invite similar attention. Abichan responded to the comment, confirming the theory with a personal observation: Calvin, who has brown fur, never attracts a single butterfly during their hikes. This contrast between the two dogs reinforces the idea that Polar’s snowy coat plays a key role in the butterflies’ behavior.
While the scientific explanation may be straightforward, the visual impact of Polar’s butterfly encounters is anything but ordinary. The jungle, already teeming with biodiversity, becomes even more magical with the addition of this daily ritual. The monarch butterflies, known for their vivid coloration and epic migratory journeys, add a layer of wonder to Polar’s already scenic walks. It’s not just a hike; it’s a moment of harmony between species, captured in real time and shared with the world through social media.
I found this detail striking: despite the butterflies’ repeated landings, Polar remains remarkably patient. He doesn’t snap or bark. Instead, he allows the butterflies a brief moment of rest before shaking them off and moving along. It’s a behavior that suggests a gentle temperament, perhaps even a quiet understanding between the dog and his winged companions. The nickname “guardian of the butterflies” feels less like a playful title and more like a fitting description of this unusual bond.
For viewers and followers of Abichan’s TikTok, Polar’s adventures offer a welcome moment of calm and beauty. In a world often filled with noise and distraction, the image of a dog peacefully walking through the jungle, surrounded by butterflies, resonates deeply. It speaks to the unexpected connections that can form in nature, and the simple joys that come from observing them.
Polar’s story also highlights the unique ecosystem of Madre de Dios, one of Peru’s most biodiverse regions. Situated in the Amazon basin, the area is home to countless species of plants, animals, and insects. Monarch butterflies, while more commonly associated with North America, can be found in parts of South America as well. Their presence in the Peruvian jungle adds to the region’s ecological richness, and their interaction with Polar offers a rare glimpse into the subtle ways animals and insects can coexist.
As Polar continues his hikes, he remains the only member of his group to receive such attention. Whether it’s the color of his fur or an unexplained charm, the monarchs have chosen him as their favorite. And while the constant fluttering might be a mild annoyance for the dog, it’s clear that he holds a special place in the jungle’s daily rhythm. For those following along online, Polar’s butterfly-covered walks are more than just a viral moment—they’re a reminder of nature’s quiet wonders and the unexpected friendships that can bloom within it.
To see Polar in action and follow more of his jungle adventures, you can visit Abichan’s TikTok account, @abychan12.
