Doctors Warn That Those Fuzzy Caterpillars Are Actually a Little Dangerous
Getty If you think letting your kids catch caterpillars is as innocent an autumn activity as jumping in leaves or picking pumpkins, you might want to think again.
Despite their cute and fluffy appearances, white hickory tussock moth caterpillars, which originally hail from Canada, are showing up in the state of Pennsylvania with some very dangerous consequences. Hiding in their fuzzy hair are black spines that contain poisonous venom they use to ward off predators. And if a human comes into contact with them, their skin can get highly irritated.
Such was the case with Joseph Bentz's unsuspecting young son. Within minutes of touching one, he broke out in a rash.
"There have been many reported cases; none of them fatal, but all strange, new, and concerning," Bentz, a doctor with MedExpress told WJAC. "They don't mean to do it, but it is part of their defense mechanism against large predators and toddlers."
The good news? According to Bentz, the rashes are only temporary and can be treated at home with lotion and ice. The better news? With winter approaching, the caterpillars will soon be going into hibernation.
[h/t WPXI.com
From: Good Housekeeping US
Despite their cute and fluffy appearances, white hickory tussock moth caterpillars, which originally hail from Canada, are showing up in the state of Pennsylvania with some very dangerous consequences. Hiding in their fuzzy hair are black spines that contain poisonous venom they use to ward off predators. And if a human comes into contact with them, their skin can get highly irritated.
Such was the case with Joseph Bentz's unsuspecting young son. Within minutes of touching one, he broke out in a rash.
"There have been many reported cases; none of them fatal, but all strange, new, and concerning," Bentz, a doctor with MedExpress told WJAC. "They don't mean to do it, but it is part of their defense mechanism against large predators and toddlers."
The good news? According to Bentz, the rashes are only temporary and can be treated at home with lotion and ice. The better news? With winter approaching, the caterpillars will soon be going into hibernation.
[h/t WPXI.com
From: Good Housekeeping US
By Samantha Toscano
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