Leslie Howe, a Georgia mother, turned a routine day at the park into a cautionary tale. In 2014, while with her children, she noticed a peculiar furry creature resembling a ball. Despite its harmless appearance, Leslie’s instincts kicked in, leading her to avoid the small creature. Unbeknownst to her, it was a Megalopyge Opercularis larva, commonly known as the puss caterpillar. Covered in deceptive hair that hides toxic bristles, the puss caterpillar delivers a painful sting, described as worse than a wasp sting. The larvae are found in various U.S. states, posing a danger to those who come into contact with them.

Eric Day, manager of Virginia Tech’s Insect ID Lab, experienced the sting himself, describing the lingering discomfort. While not typically lethal, the sting can cause anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate medical attention. Leslie Howe’s quick thinking and the resurgence of her story online serve as a crucial warning for parents to stay vigilant in nature and avoid potential dangers like the puss caterpillar.

Take a look at the unusual and mysterious caterpillar here: