Over the millennia, humans have gained an extensive knowledge about their surroundings and developed skills and instincts that help us survive and keep harmful creatures and plants at bay.
While people are already aware of plenty of dangers they encounter every day, many still don’t know about the dangers that the cute little furry animal in this story poses.
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Despite the story not being new, we decided to share it again to raise the awareness of the dangers that this animal poses to children and pets as well as adults.
One day, Leslie Howe, a proud mother, was relishing her time with the family in a small local park. While the kids were enjoying running around and playing, Leslie saw something that immediately caught her attention – a small, strange furry creature.
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Not knowing what it was, the worried mother-of-three told her children to stay away from the seemingly harmless ‘fur ball.’
And fortunately, Leslie did the right thing, as the creature hiding behind its fur was indeed extremely dangerous.
The animal in question is Megalopyge Opercularis larvae, a larva of a moth belonging to the Megalopygidae family. This dangerous creature also goes by the name of puss caterpillar.
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Despite featuring a harmless and even cute exterior, the animal can stick to one’s body and inject their victim with strong venom.
According to Expressen, ethnologist Don Hall told National Geographic that the caterpillar’s bite “feels like a wasp sting but worse. The pain hits immediately and gets worse after the creature sticks, and can even make your bones hurt.
“How badly it gets stuck depends on where it gets stuck and how many tags have dug into your skin. People who’ve had it stuck on their hands have reported feeling the pain up to their shoulders and it lasting for up to twelve hours.”
As the larvae of this type can be found in most places around the world, it is important to keep yourself and your loved ones away from them.
Please raise the awareness of this dangerous caterpillar by sharing this post with your loved ones on Facebook!