During a sunny family picnic, our daughter wandered toward a tree with unusual “stripes.” Before she could touch it, my husband pulled her back — the “stripes” were actually Lonomia caterpillars, whose toxic spines can cause severe reactions. These caterpillars blend perfectly into bark, making them hard to spot and dangerous for curious kids.

Quick action and a call to local authorities prevented a medical emergency, and they removed the insects safely. Since then, we follow a few rules: look but don’t touch, learn about local hazards, wear protective clothing, and carry a small first aid kit.

Parents and grandparents play a key role in teaching children to admire nature from a safe distance. Nature is beautiful, but it’s unpredictable — and sometimes a moment of caution can save the day.