If you ever see something like this, do not touch it under any circumstances! Notify the authorities immediately!
We were having a picnic with the whole family in the park. My husband and I were lying comfortably on the grass while the children played nearby. Suddenly, our son ran to a tree and exclaimed excitedly:
— Mom, look, what a beautiful tree! It has such beautiful patterns!
I thought he had simply spotted some interesting bark and was about to run his hand over it… But at that very moment, my husband jumped up, seized by panic, and ran to our son.
The boy was already reaching for the trunk when his father managed to stop him at the last moment—perhaps preventing something terrible from happening.
When I learned what danger his quick reaction had saved us from, I hugged my son tightly and couldn’t hold back the tears…
We were incredibly grateful that we had recognized the threat in time. What looked like a harmless pattern on the tree bark was actually a deadly poisonous colony of caterpillars – the Lonomia.
These creatures possess such potent venom that even careless contact can cause internal bleeding, unconsciousness, or in some cases even death – especially in the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, or those with weakened immune systems.
The caterpillars often gather in dense groups on tree trunks and camouflage themselves perfectly with the bark. This is why they look so harmless – like a natural pattern.
After the incident, we immediately informed the local environmental protection authorities. Experts arrived soon after and safely removed the caterpillars. We also placed a warning sign on the tree to protect other parents and children.
Since then, I’ve seen nature with different eyes. On every walk with my grandchildren, I now take a magnifying glass, gloves, and a small first aid kit. Caution is not fear – it is wisdom.
Dear women, especially grandmothers: Tell your children and grandchildren about these insects. A timely warning can save lives. Let us not only be guardians of the home, but also pass on knowledge to future generations.
