While resting their weary legs on a seat, they were startled by the sight of a peculiar creature that was softly but entirely, coated in fur. When the kids saw this bug, they felt it was safe to touch.

Mom-of-three Leslie Howe took her brood to Gwinnett County Park. A young mother took her kids out into the sunshine to enjoy the day.

Despite her maternal instincts, Leslie could not bring herself to let her children touch the weird creature.

It was a wise decision since I gained valuable insight into the nature of this peculiar species and the risk it posed. Unaware that she was protecting her infant from a dangerous bite, Leslie acted quickly.

A “worm” is exactly what it was.

This hairy caterpillar is among the most toxic in the United States.

The fuzzy puss caterpillar gets its name from the painful reaction it causes when people brush up against its hairy coat, possibly because it resembles common house cats.

The Puss Caterpillar has been spotted in several eastern Virginia counties, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF).

The caterpillars can fall from trees and lodge in people’s clothes!

A bite from this caterpillar can have devastating effects, including nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating.

You should exercise extreme caution when venturing outdoors, especially in green spaces like parks. Do not touch or allow your children to touch such a caterpillar if you come across one. Especially for young children, a bite from this insect can have devastating effects.

According to the news, children in states ranging from Florida to North Carolina are in severe pain after coming into contact with the most deadly caterpillar in the United States.

Some actually liked it, because it hurt when caterpillars swooped down from the trees.

If you can, please SHARE this with as many people as possible and warn them. Protecting your children’s health is more important than taking any chances.