Wooly Bears - the scoop

[wxid]

OK, afters years of myths about these fuzzy things (aren't these the ones you cant help squooshing on the road in Sept-Oct?) , anyone know
if there is anything to this? Obviously, scientifically its not proveable. But from an accuracy standpoint, what is the record on these things and what is THE proper 'supposed' way to read them? 3rd, anyone got any sightings and this years characteristics? I know this is 'out there', but hey , just by chance, they can't be too much more inacurate than local mets ! PS-anyone know what the 'secret' is that Farmers Almanac uses for the Winter Prediction? On this last question, if it is a copyright violation or a big deal to expose, PLEASE DON't metion it....i am only curious if it is known by the WX underground.... Not interested in cutting into others inventions, methods and livelyhoods.
Tanks!
wxid

[LMolineux]

Good Post actually.

I was goign to but never did. I have notices alot of Catapillers roaming the grounds here more then i have ever seen in my whole entire life or i might have been just not noticing them. But honestly these catapillers are increasing in #'s and like majorly. And i did notice the squirles (sorry i cant spell) their tails last year were like so thick in late Sept. it is already Nov. and their tails arent even thick with fur or hair. Their Tails amazingly have stayed in summer mode like barely any fur or hair. And also the bee's wasps and hornets are not swarming and goign nutz also liek they normally do.

[wx247]

The squirrels have been very busy around here and their tails are bushier than last year according to one of our neighbors. Who knows how accurate that is.

[LMolineux]

It was the same way last year here but opposite of that this year.

[wxid]

Must be nice to be in MO right now !! More on the Woolys....some say its the amount, the absence of brown bands, more brown bands, bands on the front, on the end????? Wether they have boots and a coat on, etc... Jeeeeezzzzzz!

[RNS]

As far as i know...the farmers almanac uses similar scientific and meteorologically proven methods to create their seasonal forecasts. I will say however to those that bash the farmers almanac...they do know their stuff and have a pretty good day-to-day skill from long ranges.

[LMolineux]

Must be nice to be in MO right now !! More on the Woolys....some say its the amount, the absence of brown bands, more brown bands, bands on the front, on the end????? Wether they have boots and a coat on, etc... Jeeeeezzzzzz!

LOL but what is the facts and fictions behind such the occurances of why it is the way they are?

[LMolineux]

As far as i know...the farmers almanac uses similar scientific and meteorologically proven methods to create their seasonal forecasts. I will say however to those that bash the farmers almanac...they do know their stuff and have a pretty good day-to-day skill from long ranges.

RNS i agree for sure.

They do and their basis is pretty darn good if you ask me. Something they know all towell beings it has been around for so long.

[JCT777]

Don't take this as gospel, but I have heard that if the wooly caterpillars have little or no brown stripe, then it will be a very cold winter. If they have a thick brown stripe, the winter will be mild. I have seen several wooly caterpillars, ranging from no brown stripe to a medium-thickness stripe. So I would give this whole "wooly caterpillar" theory as much credence as the groundhog seeing his shadow on February 2.

[LMolineux]

JCT i concoure on that but i have seen those with like a 1/4 thick brown stripe the rest of it being all black.

[CaptinCrunch]

Here is a link that talks about the Woolly Worm http://www.woollyworm.com

It's fun for the whole family.....