Woolly mammoths are at the forefront of controversial de-extinction efforts, writes Rebecca Woods in a commentary.

Churchill, Canada — On the edge of the Arctic in northern Canada, the annual migration of polar bears draws tourists, photographers and scientists like Geoff York.

Frank Chesniak found woolly bear caterpillars in his woodpile on Sunday and wondered whether dead or alive. That led down a labyrinth to finding out.

The woolly caterpillar is the larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella). Starting in spring, woolly bears metamorphose into the moth stage, mate, lay eggs, and die off.

According to folklore, the amount of black on a woolly bear caterpillar can forecast the severity of the upcoming winter.

Do woolly bear caterpillars forecast winter weather? Woolly bears (or woolly worms in the South) have a reputation for forecasting the coming winter weather, according to the Farmer's Almanac.

National Weather Service debunks woolly bear forecasting abilities Of course, the National Weather Service has come along to pooh-pooh the woolly bear's winter foresight, with its science and facts.

Spotted tussock moth caterpillars are the local version of woolly bears. (Photo by Bob Armstong) On another topic: A morning walk on the dike trail discovered signs of spider activity.

The woolly bear caterpillar, also known as the fuzzy bear caterpillar or the woolly worm, is not able to predict the weather, but its color is based on its diet and age.

The woolly bear caterpillar, also known as the fuzzy bear caterpillar or the woolly worm, is not able to predict the weather, but its color is based on its diet and age.