Last weekís unseasonably warm weather caused some confusion for this woolly bear caterpillar, also known as the larval form of the Pyrrharctia isabella, or Isabella tiger moth. It was discovered sunning itself in the neighborís driveway by Wallace and Sylvia Nordquist of North Branch. Excitement over the possibility of an early spring though, may not be the proper response.

ìThat canít be a good sign,î is how master gardener Gerald Vitalis referred to the find. The warm weather causes stress on plants and animals and could result in the early budding of flowering shrubs and trees. Those plants are susceptible to hard freezes, which can cause freeze damage and even kill more sensitive plants.

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