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

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