Wooley Bear

Wooley Bears are native caterpillar. They are large fuzzy and quite cute. They have 2 black fur spots at both ends of their body. The middle section is orange. They typically have one or sometimes two generations per year. Some caterpillars can be found in summer, but are most common in fall. They overwinter in a warm place in the caterpillar stage. The spring generation may turn into moths before winter. These caterpillars have seemed to take an interest in Lambs-quarters and some other weedy plants. It has also been noted that they eat leaves of maple, locust, and oak trees. Their damage potential however is low. They are often found walking around late in the fall looking for a safe place above the snow line or out of the way of snow or ice. Once a place is found, they will go dormant and the body freezes. Don't bring Wooley Bears inside if you don't have food for it. If it overwinters inside, it will need to eat. Their lifestyle may be jeopardized as well. If you want to raise them, you can bring them inside in the fall, but take them out to breath often. In November or December, take them outside full time in a sheltered box, Tupperware, or fish tank. Make sure it has air holes. Keep them out of snow or the way of predators. Also make sure to place it in a place where the enclosure won't flood. Wooley Bears will drown. Don't worry about the cold. Their bodies are naturally supposed to freeze, but only certain parts do. They produce a natural anti-freeze in their body keeping the bare necessities working. This keeps their body alive. They miraculously emerge in April or May and turn into moths shortly after. 
Wooley Bears apperently are not born with their patterns. I recently caught two wooley bears in August, what were completly brown. My big bear, molted around the 30th of August. My 2nd bear has grown, but has not molted enough to gain its black and orange fur colors yet. They will typically molt about 5 times, as with most caterpillars. 
=== General ===
I have now raised 1 Wooley Bear, but have met several over the last few years. 
Rarity- Uncommon
Season- Fall-Winter. Moths in Spring
Pupates in Spring
Usually up to 2" long.
Native- Yes
Poisonous? No. Spiky hairs can pierce skin. Rashes not likely but possible.
Damage potential- Low
Category:Caterpillars
Category:Nature