Not all fluff is friendly, and there's nobody better than Megalopyge opercularis, or Puss Caterpillar, to teach us that lesson. This caterpillar looks almost unreal at first glance. It's covered in thick, soft-looking fur that makes it resemble a tiny floofy ball of wool or lint. It's one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.
The danger is hidden under that cute, fluffy exterior. Beneath the hairs are venomous spines that can deliver an extremely painful sting if touched. People often describe it as the worst pain they've ever felt. They say it's immediate and intense, and it can radiate out from the point of contact.
If you see one, do not touch it. Even brushing against it can be enough to cause a bad reaction. The Puss Caterpillar is found in parts of the southern US, usually sitting quietly on trees or shrubs where it blends in easily. It is one of those creatures that looks harmless until you learn what it actually is, and then you start paying attention to every patch of "fluff" you see outdoors.
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