It took only a second for curiosity to turn into terror. That tiny, perfect green “leaf” with plastic-looking horns was actually a saddleback caterpillar, one of the most deceptively dangerous little creatures you can find indoors. I had almost picked it up with my bare hand, thinking I was just cleaning a bit of plant debris off the floor. Only later did I learn that its spines are loaded with venom powerful enough to cause searing pain, swelling, blisters, and symptoms that send many people to the hospital.
Instead, I backed away, grabbed a jar, and coaxed it inside with something long and safe. After releasing it far out in the garden, the reality hit me: one careless touch, and my day could have turned into a medical emergency. Now, every time I see something strange on the floor, I pause. I look closer. And I remember how close I came to learning that lesson the hard way.