If You See This Furry ‘Mustache’ in Indiana, Whatever You Do, Do Not Touch It

This cute and fluffy creature found in Indiana is actually the most dangerous caterpillar in the U.S.

Now that we're in the warmer months, you might encounter some strange things outside, but there is one curious thing that if you wind up coming across, you should never touch it. Once you see it, you might be compelled to pick it up and show it off to your friends because it looks cute and furry. You might feel the urge try to reach out and run your finger along it, but those who do wind up very sorry. That's because the insect, a caterpillar, is incredibly toxic.

You might think that caterpillars can't be harmful, especially if they look cute, but the most poisonous caterpillar in the world can be found in Indiana. It's called the puss caterpillar. While its name doesn't sound too intimidating, the sting from this walking mustache can be pretty bad.

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Puss Caterpillar

The puss caterpillar kind of looks like Cousin It from The Addams Family. Its cute and fuzzy look might lead to kids wanting to pick it up and show it off, however, if you or your child get stung by one, the pain you feel is far from cute. The caterpillar can grow to a little over 1 inch long and is covered in gray and orange hairs. According to Caterpillar Identification, the puss caterpillar can be found in our regions of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee.

You can get a good look at a puss caterpillar in the video below.

How Bad is a Puss Caterpillar Sting?

Underneath the hairy surface of the puss caterpillar is poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in days and even weeks of pain, according to NPR. The University of Michigan Medicine describes the sting of a puss caterpillar:

NPR goes on to say that the level of pain from the puss caterpillar's sting can vary from person to person, but its venom can be dangerous to people who suffer from extreme reactions to insect bites. The sting has been known to cause anaphylaxis in rare cases, which can be life-threatening.

What to do if You are Stung by a Puss Caterpillar

NPR gives great advice in their article on what to do in the event that you get stung by one of these caterpillars.

Of course, if you have any severe symptoms or feel like you’re having an allergic reaction, you should go to the emergency room ASAP.

If you do stumble across a puss caterpillar, the best bet is for you to leave it be and avoid touching it at all costs...no matter how cute it may be.