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Woolly Bear Catapillar #923204

Asked December 30, 2025, 2:40 PM EST

I was shoveling snow on my sidewalk just now and saw a woolly bear caterpillar that I thought was dead. However, I brought it inside the house and after it warmed up I saw that it was alive. I am thinking it was in a hibernating state and that I disturbed him. Now what do I do? I had some spinach leaves in the refrigerator which I washed and put them into the bowl with the caterpillar. Thanks you for your help.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

They can wake up on a warm day so it is probably best to dig down to the ground and put it in a sheltered place under the snow. I would choose a place under a shrub so it is less likey to be found by a bird. 
https://fmr.org/october-%C2%97-winter-wares-and-wooly-bears?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=<personal data hidden>&gbraid=0AAAAADtJVQoJeJBH85S49loHTRpjnuo8p&gclid=CjwKCAiAjc7KBhBvEiwAE2BDOVF0JOnEg3CHhSfPJRWs2iWXpS91Ru_IAeqhYjBT3_rxVtCUk7mu2RoCh_gQAvD_BwE
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied December 30, 2025, 3:26 PM EST
Thank you!

On Tue, Dec 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 30, 2025, 3:40 PM EST
Wishing you a happy  New Year.
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied December 30, 2025, 4:42 PM EST

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