NewsLocal News

Actions

Can a caterpillar predict the winter? Some Wisconsinites say yes

Posted at 12:03 PM, Oct 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-10 23:34:50-04

Can a caterpillar predict the winter? How about a squirrel? Some people believe they can.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, Southeast Wisconsin is in for a mild, but wet winter.

The Farmer's Almanac, on the other hand, is going out on a limb predicting a frozen and snowy winter.

What about other forecast folklore?

Black woolly bear caterpillars, early migration of geese and monarch butterflies, fog in August, squirrels with bushy tails and a mouthful of acorns, long hair on a cow's neck, pigs that pick up sticks, and thick husk on corn are all indications of a harsh winter.

Brown woolly bear caterpillars, a clear August, squirrels with skinny tails, short hair on a cow's neck, and pigs that avoid sticks are all signs we're in for a mild winter.