Forestry officials warn to 'social distance' from hairy-looking caterpillars

[sandensea]

Attention Virginia residents! Beware the fluffy and hairy-looking caterpillar that has been crawling around the eastern part of the state.

The puss caterpillar, which transforms into the southern flannel moth when it becomes an adult, may resemble a tiny toupee - but it’s actually one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States according to a profile by Donald W. Hall, professor emeritus of University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has been receiving reports of recent sightings and issued a warning on Tuesday with a photo of one of the caterpillars.

The department told Virginians in a Facebook post to Social Distance away from this caterpillar!

At: https://www.today.com/news/virginia-residents-warned-avoid-venomous-puss-caterpillars-t193946

The puss caterpillar - whose foul temper and poisonous sting have prompted Virginia officials to issue a statewide warning.