Have you seen one of these fuzzy little guys? If you do, officials say you should keep your distance!

KVUE-TV reports that it's peak season for asp caterpillars.

Austin Zoo curator John Gramieri told KVUE he's been stung before, and it felt like someone put a cigarette out on his hand. Symptoms of the venom include burning pain, swelling, nausea, and itching.

According to the KVUE report, zoo officials have not seen an unusual spike in their population, but Central Texans should be aware of the critters. They're often found in trees such as oaks, oleanders, and plum trees.

According to the University of Florida's entomology and nematology page, the caterpillars is actual the larval state of the southern flannel moth, and are among the most venomous caterpillars in the United States.

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