The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is warning of a furry caterpillar that has been found in parts of the state.

The Puss Caterpillar appears soft and furry usually yellow, tan to brown about an inch and a half long.

The creature  can cause server pain possible fever, cramps, nausea and vomiting even shock symptoms in the worse case.

The caterpillar is found in the fall and prefers to live on oak, elm, wild plum trees but has recently been found in parks and near structures.

According the VDOF’s facebook page this creature should be avoided by humans with natural predators available to feed on them in their different stages of life.

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