Bear Essentials

This woolly bear caterpillar was inching his way southward across the stone wall on our back patio. They’re common in the US, southern Canada and México. They emerge from an egg as a caterpillar in the fall, then freeze and overwinter. In the spring they thaw, form a cocoon for a beautiful Isabella Tiger Moth to emerge. She will begin the cycle again by laying eggs • Folklore says the amount of brown and black determines the severity of the coming winter. A wide brown band means a mild winter, whereas a narrow band predicts a severe one • Another tale says if they crawl south they are escaping an especially cold winter • Folks in Ohio, Pennsylvania and NY hold annual festivals that include parades, woolly bear costumes worn by pets and children, and if you can believe it, woolly bear races!! • Peace & Love on this November First