Furry caterpillars covered in venomous spines invade Virginia

Virginia officials have warned residents of 'an outbreak,' following numerous sightings of the most poisonous caterpillar in the US crawling around the state.

Called a puss caterpillar, the furry creature is covered in venomous spikes that causes intense pain when touched, along with swelling, fever and symptoms of shock.

The hairy creature resides in the southern states and feeds on shade trees such as elm, oak and sycamore, but locals have spotted it roaming around parks and other structures.

Numerous reports of the puss have surfaced in eastern counties of the state, along with injuries that have sent some to the emergency room.

Officials note that the toxic caterpillar population is kept under control by natural enemies, but chemical insecticides will be deployed if necessary.

The puss caterpillar is the larva of the small, harmless southern flannel moth, but before it spreads it wings, the creature is deemed a danger to the public.

The insects can grow from 1.2 inches up to 1.4 inches and their bodies are completely hidden under the thick coating of hair – but they peep their head out to feed.

Virginia Department for Forestry has received numerous reports the caterpillar in a few eastern counties in the state, but has not specified exact locations.

Crystal Spindel Gaston, a resident in Richmond, told The Daily Progress, about her encounter with the puss caterpillar.

Gaston was reaching into the back of her car parked outside of her home when she felt an excruciating pain.

'It felt exactly like a scorching-hot knife passing through the outside of my calf,' said Gaston, 55, of New Kent County.