On February 17th, 2026, the weather where we live had been unseasonably warm for a few days. I'm talking 65 degrees when a normal February day is less than 20 degrees! 

This period of warmth had a strange affect on wild life all over. Hibernation paused, and animals who are usually resting woke up for what seemed to be Spring. Among the awakened creatures were some early hatchlings, including a Woolly Bear Caterpillar!

The woolly bear is an adorably fuzzy caterpillar, the larval stage of the Tiger Moth. Farmers and nature enthusiasts have forever looked to the woolly bear caterpillar for predicting conditions for the following Winter. So what does it mean when a woolly bear hatches seasons before it is meant to?

Do its markings indicate the weather for the following Winter, or the current Winter?

While the weather was warm, the forecast was predicting colder temperatures returning. We were worried for the caterpillar, unsure if he would be able to prevail the incoming harsh temperatures.

As stewards and protectors of nature and God's creatures, we decided as a family to try and care for the woolly bear. We did some research, learned what they like to eat, and set up a jar for him to stay safe from the elements. We are doing our best to care for this early riser!