Isabella Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Woolly Bear)

Found across North America in gardens, meadows, and pastures; often seen on roads and sidewalks in the fall.

Generalist herbivore; feeds on a wide variety of plants including grasses, clover, dandelions, birches, and sunflowers.

Known for wandering in search of overwintering sites during autumn. They hibernate in their larval state under leaf litter or logs, even surviving freezing temperatures by producing a natural cryoprotectant.

Generally harmless to humans and ecosystems. Folklore suggests the width of their orange band predicts winter severity, though this is scientifically inaccurate. Their bristly hairs can cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.