Leslie Howe went out to Gwinnett County Park with her baby and two other children. It was a sunny day and the young mother decided to enjoy the good weather with her children.
After they sat down on a bench, they noticed a small, strange creature, completely covered with fur that was easily covered by them.
It looked like a small, harmless insect, and the children wanted to touch it.

But her mother’s instinct kept Leslie from letting her children touch the strange creature.

This proved to be a very wise choice because I was late to find out what this strange creature really is and how dangerous it can be. Without realizing it, Leslie saved her children from a poisonous bite.

The creature was actually a “pus caterpillar.” This is a special species because, unlike common caterpillars, it secretes venom and can cause great pain even at the touch.
If a person is bitten by this caterpillar, the result is disastrous: it causes intense nausea and profuse sweating.

Be very careful when going outdoors, in parks or in places where there is a lot of vegetation. If you encounter this type of caterpillar, stay away from it and do not let children touch it. Especially small children can be severely affected by the bite of this insect.

Young children from Florida to North Carolina are reporting excruciating pain after coming into contact with the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S., the furry pus caterpillar, according to news reports. Some have petted the insect; others have been injured when the caterpillars fell onto them from trees.

Please share this warning to reach as many people as possible. It is better to be careful than to endanger the health of our children.

Below you can watch a video with Leslie’s story: