Woolly Bear Caterpillar

The folklore connected with woolly bears says that the width of the orange-brown band is known to predict the winter to come: if it is narrower than the black bands, it will be a severe winter. If it is broader than the black bands, the winter will be mild. Some claim that the woolly bear’s forecast is up to 80% accurate.

This is taken quite seriously in parts of the US. In fact, a woolly bear festival takes place every year in Vermilion, Ohio, reputed to be the largest one-day festival of that state. Festivities include a parade, woolly bear races, and an official analysis of the woolly bear’s forecast for the winter.

Took this picture hand held with the Sigma 120-400 from about 5 feet away at 400mm.