AUSTIN, Texas — "Don't touch the fuzzy caterpillars."
That's the warning from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) after toxic caterpillars were recently spotted in the Texas Hill Country.
They're called American Dagger Moth Caterpillars. While they may look cute and fuzzy, the caterpillars also contain an irritating toxin that can cause itching, stinging, burning and sometimes rashes.
The colorful caterpillars have long black bristles, that almost look like eyelashes, near their head, midsection and rear. TPWD says those eyelashes break off and can embed themselves into your skin if you make contact.
According to TPWD, the caterpillars love to feed on the leaves of popular Texas trees like oak, ash, elm, willow, maple and alder. They can climb trees or stay on the ground, so they can be anywhere outside throughout the fall.
What to do if you see the caterpillars
If you see them at a park or playground where children play, a stick can be a handy tool to remove them safely.
If they come in contact with your skin, officials warn not to brush it off because then it's more likely that the caterpillar's toxic hairs and spines get stuck on you or your clothing.
Once you've safely removed the caterpillar, officials suggest you shower immediately to wash away the hair and cool down to help with the allergic reaction.