Why Missouri Roads Are Full of Woolly Bear Caterpillars

Have you noticed more and more fuzzy caterpillars on Missouri roads lately? While traveling to St. Louis this past weekend, I couldn’t help but see so many of them crossing the road, and it made me wonder what it means to spot that many this time of year.

Why Woolly Bear Caterpillars Appear in Missouri

Well, it could mean fall is running a little late, and the caterpillars are searching for sheltered places to hibernate for the cold months ahead. These are known as woolly bear caterpillars (strange name, I know), and according to the National Weather Service, folklore says they might predict a harsh winter.

Of course, let’s hope that’s just a myth or an old wives’ tale. More than likely, they’re simply looking for shelter before winter sets in. Still, I have to admit, I’ve never seen as many as I have this year. Watching them try to cross the highway really made me wonder why there are so many all at once.

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Folklore Behind Woolly Bear Winter Predictions

If you happen to get close to a woolly bear, take a look at its features. According to the National Weather Service, folklore says that if the head end of the caterpillar is dark, the beginning of winter will be severe. If the tail end is dark, the end of winter will be colder.

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Personally, I’m not sure I’ll be getting too close to anything fuzzy and creepy-crawly, but if you’re the adventurous type and decide to check them out, let me know what you find. Who knows, maybe we really are in for a long, harsh winter.