Harrowsmith – September 2019

HarrowsmithFall 2019 | 205

oolly bear
caterpillars are
early indicators
of fall. Just
before the first
frost, they are seen hurriedly
inching their way across the
road in search of overwintering
sites like log cavities or leaf
litter. Known as the hedgehog
caterpillar, woolly worm, fuzzy
bear and fuzzy worm, the
caterpillars are predictable at
playing possum. When they
curl up into tight balls, their
toothbrush-like bristles encourage
touching, but they can actually
cause skin irritation (which I’ve
never experienced).

One of my elementary school

teachers is fondly remembered

for introducing our young minds

to the likes of the Great Woolly

Bear Caterpillar Race. The

championships were held on the

tarmac of Mt. Pleasant Public

School and there were trophies

to be won! Somehow, most of our

Grade 2 class was able to find

a contestant to participate in

the race. We pulled the woolly

bears out of our jean pockets,

lunch pails and envelopes on the

big day. Some of us brought our

racers to school in Mason jars

with a handful of grass in the jar’s

bottom in case the caterpillar

needed an energy boost.

ENVIRONMENT

The Fuzzy Bear

and the Hedgehog

Everything you didn’t know about

the woolly bear caterpillar.

BY JULES TORTI

ILLUSTR ATION BY KEITH MILNE