WEATHER: ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb.’

This March weather lore comes from the thought that Mother Nature equals out. ‘If the weather in early March is stormy and rough (like a lion), it will balance out with sunshine and pleasant weather at the end of the month,’ says the Farmers Almanac.

Other sources say it came from astronomy, from the constellations of Leo the Lion and Aries the Ram and their positions in the night sky. Leo rises in the east at the beginning of March and ends with Aries setting in the west.

The saying has evolved to encompass the wild weather at the end of winter.

Here are some additional March weather folklore expressions: ‘A dry March and a wet May; Fill barns and bays with corn and hay.’

‘As it rains in March, so it rains in June.’

‘March winds and April showers, Bring forth May flowers.’

‘So many mists in March you see, so many frosts in May will be.’

March is known for its changing weather, with big temperature swings and late-season cold fronts.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers these: ‘When March has April weather, April will have March weather. Thunder in March betokens a fruitful year. Dust in March brings grass and foliage. A March Sun sticks like a lock of wool.’

March is when many animals awake from hibernation. When just waking up, animals are hungry and immediately begin to search for food. The receding snow unearths lots of tasty treats for animals like bears. Winter kills might not be Gordon Ramsey approved, but are just perfect for these mighty creatures.

Bears will be out and about, so be mindful of garbage and anything like pet food kept outside.