The woolly bear caterpillar (the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth) is often said to predict the severity of the coming winter based on the width of its brown band: • Wide brown band → A milder winter ahead. • Narrow brown band (more black at the ends) → A harsher, colder winter. This belief comes from American folklore and has been around since the 1800s. In reality, scientists have found that the band size is more related to the caterpillar’s age, growth stage, and past weather condition

Fall temperatures bring out these fuzzy friends! 🐛The Woolly bear caterpillar is the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth. They survive the winter months as caterpillars by seeking shelter, making a nest from leaves and garden debris, and producing glycerol, a natural antifreeze, inside their bodies. Their behavior and appearance is linked to folklore that suggests a large rusty brown band on their hairy bodies indicates a milder winter, while more black fur suggests a harsher winter. If the

Things Woolly Bear caterpillars are: • adorable • fluffy • surprisingly fast Things Woolly Bear caterpillars are not: • predictors of weather Contrary to folklore, the width of bands of color on the Woolly Bear caterpillar does not indicate the type of winter we're preparing to have. So, don't panic next time you spot one! You may be seeing Woolly Bears crossing paths, roads, or sidewalks this time of year. That's because they are trying to find leaf litter, piles of woodchips, or other sheltere