Wisconsin Residents: Don't Touch This Poisonous Caterpillar

MILWAUKEE, WI —A caterpillar that can be found in backyards, near school, or along hiking trails is worrying officials in Midwestern states, and it can be found in a lot of places across Wisconsin.

These fuzzy caterpillars can be found in your Wisconsin neighborhood, busily eating oak, ash, elm, alder, willow and maple tree leaves either on the tree itself or on the ground nearby.

Recently, the American Dagger caterpillar (Acronicta americana) was spotted during a hike through the trails on Mid Michigan College's campus, according to officials in Clare County.

This caterpillar looks cute and fuzzy, but it's the pairing of black bristles that are the source of trouble.

"The bristles break off and embed themselves into skin. Toxins stored inside the hairs have a stinging sensation if touched," according to Insectidentification.org. "Many curious children have unwittingly picked up these big, fuzzy, bright creatures and consequently experienced a burning, itching, sensation on their skin which can develop into a rash.