Residents of a west Orange County neighborhood are concerned that venomous caterpillars are turning up again.
“First, we thought it was really cute. Honestly, it kind of looked like a Pokemon,” said Orange County resident Roland Cooney.
Cooney is talking about puss caterpillars—given the name because of their resemblance to a fluffy Persian house cat.
Parents in west Orange County are warning their neighbors about venomous caterpillars 🐛 Our story at 4:15pm on Eyewitness News. #WFTV pic.twitter.com/bn0GjM7Hl9
— Jeff Deal (@JDealWFTV) November 6, 2017
He saw one on the screen enclosure outside his house, but he has since learned their soft appearance can be deceiving.
“Its a cute little fur is like lethal armor that will shard into your skin,” said Cooney.
His wife took to Facebook to post a warning to others in her neighborhood.
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Another neighbor then posted video of one he saw at Keene’s Crossing Elementary School.
The caterpillars have stiff, venomous spines under their soft hair.
The pain shot up her entire arm and she had to go to the emergency room to get the barbs out.
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Last year, the Florida poison information center had nearly 400 reported stings statewide.
In Orange County, Michael Spence said he hadn't seen or heard about venomous caterpillars, but as the father of a 2-year-old, he said it is concerning.
"Anything she sees, she's going to try to pick it up or put it in her mouth,” he said.
When the caterpillars turn into monts, they are no longer venomous.
Some people, like Anniston, do require medical attention because of a reaction to the venom, but others may experience just an itching or burning sensation.
Cox Media Group
