'extremely toxic'

caterpillar

found in Florida

Although it appears soft and fuzzy

Although it appears soft and fuzzy

this caterpillar is among the most poisonous in the nation.

this caterpillar is among the most poisonous in the nation.

Joel Mathis said he spotted the insect in his backyard in Clermont.

Joel Mathis said he spotted the insect in his backyard in Clermont.

According to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida

According to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida

the puss caterpillar is common in Florida during the fall and spring on oak and elm trees

but is also found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas

but is also found from New Jersey to Florida and west to Arkansas and Texas

The puss caterpillar has deadly bristles wrapped in hair.

The puss caterpillar has deadly bristles wrapped in hair.

The agony from the caterpillar's sting is excruciating and spreads across the entire body.