Puss Moth Caterpillars Look Like Donald Trump’s Hair But They Can Be Deadly

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When I first laid eyes on this fluffy critter my very first reaction was to reach out and pet it. While it may look like a napping cat, or Donald Trump’s hair, touching this little fella might actually be more dangerous than swallowing a live scorpion.

What makes it worse is this animal now calls America home and that makes it a potential threat to all the gardeners out there, as well as people who just like to walk in the woods.

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While this looks cute and cuddly, this deceptive bug is actually a puss caterpillar. The critter hails originally from Northern and Central America where it has often fallen out of trees and onto the heads of unsuspecting gardeners.

While it may appear to be covered in fluff, the fake fur is actually an assortment of venomous needles. The sting of these spines is worse than a scorpion or a jellyfish. The tiny caterpillar’s sting can cause some people to vomit and convulse.

These caterpillars eventually evolve and turn into an adult moth that is often called a puss moth or a southern flannel moth.

If you have oaks, elms, and citrus trees or roses and ivy on your property and live in the southern United States, you need to watch out for these dangerous critters.

If you come in contact with one of these poisonous caterpillars, seek medical help. Whatever you do, don’t rub the wound or pour alcohol on it as this often causes the release of additional venom into your blood stream.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

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