STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — If you see this white fluffy caterpillar -keep away! The White Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar has black spines that can cause itchy rashes in many people.
They are microscopically barbed and may cause serious medical complications if they are transferred from the hands to the eyes. The chemical is a defense mechanism to protect them from predators.
“There have been many reported cases. None of them fatal, but all strange, new and concerning,” Dr. Joseph Betz with MedExpress told WJAC.
The rash can be treated at home with lotion and ice, but it can be very uncomfortable.
The caterpillars are from Canada but they’ve been found in Central Pennsylvania.
Viewer evidence photos of caterpillar in Central Pennsylvania
In fact, many of our Facebook followers have shared photos of the caterpillars right here:
