Humans have developed quick reflexes and instincts over thousands of years, helping us avoid dangerous creatures. Even though most animals aren’t a threat, it’s always smart to be cautious when exploring the outdoors.
This story is a perfect example of why. Leslie Howe, a mother from Georgia, was spending a regular day at the park with her kids in 2014. The sun was shining, and the laughter of children filled the air as they played. But something unusual caught her attention.
Near her kids, she noticed a strange, fuzzy, ball-shaped creature. At first glance, it seemed harmless. However, Leslie’s instincts kicked in, and she decided to keep her distance.
That choice turned out to be life-saving. “It feels worse than a wasp sting,” Leslie would later warn others about the strange creature.
Leslie had taken her baby and two young children to a playground in Gwinnett County, Georgia, for a fun day outside. Everything was going great—until she spotted what looked like a tiny fur ball. It was small and covered in soft, velvety hair, almost like a miniature pet. But something about it made her uneasy. Instead of letting her curiosity get the better of her, Leslie kept her kids away.
Years later, her story resurfaced online, serving as a powerful warning for parents across the U.S. The creature Leslie saw was no innocent fluff. It was a Megalopyge opercularis larva, more commonly known as the puss caterpillar.
This strange caterpillar gets its nickname from its soft fur, which resembles a cat’s coat. But beneath that cute exterior lies a hidden danger. The “fur” is actually venomous bristles that can deliver an extremely painful sting. These larvae can grow up to about an inch long and are found in many parts of the U.S. They munch on leaves in states from Texas to Florida and even as far north as New Jersey.
Handling a puss caterpillar is a big mistake. Their venomous bristles can stick to your skin and release poison, causing immediate and intense pain. People who’ve been stung describe it as worse than a wasp sting. The pain can spread to your bones and last for hours. In severe cases, it can even lead to an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be deadly.
Entomologist Don Hall explained just how bad it can get. “The pain starts immediately and gets worse. It can shoot up your arm and last for up to twelve hours,” he shared. Some people report pain so severe it feels like it’s traveling all the way to their shoulders.
Eric Day, who manages the Insect ID Lab at Virginia Tech, experienced the sting firsthand. While mowing his lawn in rural Virginia, he accidentally brushed against a puss caterpillar. “The blister and irritation lasted for weeks,” he said. “But the burning sensation went away after about a day.”
If you’re ever stung by one of these caterpillars, here’s what to do: Carefully remove the venomous bristles using tape. Then, wash the area with soap and water. To ease the pain or itchiness, apply hydrocortisone cream or a baking soda paste. And if the reaction worsens, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
While the puss caterpillar’s sting rarely causes death, it’s not something to take lightly. So, if you see a fuzzy little caterpillar, admire it from a safe distance and warn others to do the same.
These caterpillars may look like tiny, harmless creatures, but they’re a reminder that nature can be full of surprises—sometimes dangerous ones!
What do you think of this strange and mysterious caterpillar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
