.PatAndre

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Well, Constance 52347 nailed it. Bob (Dunsticken) was close. This is a Tussock Moth. They are voracious eaters capable of defoliating entire forests. The most famous family member is the Gypsy Moth (suggested by Bob). This critter alone costs millions of dollars to control each year in the United States. Judged by looks alone, these fuzzy caterpillars seem harmless, but touch them with a bare finger and you'll feel you've been pricked by fiberglass. A few species, like the Brown-tail, will leave you with a persistent and painful rash. Neither males or females feed as adults. They focus on mating and laying eggs, dying within days. Sooooo, I take it they are not a good thing to have around.