Creature Feature – Hustle ‘n Bustle

October finds many critters particularly active, as their internal clocks countdown to winter. 

You’re likely seeing lots of Woolly Bear Caterpillars trundling along in search of sheltered places to hibernate for the winter. These bristly black-and-rust caterpillars are Isabella Tiger Moths in the making — but prior to next spring’s metamorphosis, they will freeze to near solid this winter. 

Popular folklore claims that those Woolly Bears with a proportionately wider rust-colored middle predict a mild winter ahead, while those with longer black ends forecast a harsh season. Scientists ruin the fun by assuring us that the width of the rusty band relates to the caterpillar’s age, diet, and whether the growing season was favorable. Also, all black or entirely rust caterpillars are two different species altogether. However, don’t let this knowledge stop you from checking out the Woolly Bears you encounter. It’s far too much fun!

This month, the second litters of Eastern Chipmunks leave their mothers and strike out on their own. It will be up to them to establish their own turf, build a nest, and gather enough food to see them through the long winter. These “second-batch-babies” are under a genuine time crunch. When they emerge from their natal den at roughly 4-6 weeks old, the weather is turning colder, leaving them a tight window to accomplish critical survival tasks. Chipmunks are not true hibernators; instead, they enter a state of torpor over the winter, awakening periodically to nibble on their subterranean stash of nuts and seeds. 

Hmm…snoozing and snacking the winter away? Sounds like a plan!

Article & photo by Margie Manthey