White-marked tussock moth caterpillar (likely)

Woodlands, parks, gardens, and urban areas across much of eastern and central North America, on deciduous trees and shrubs.

Larvae chew leaves of many trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, birch, and fruit trees; adults generally do not feed.

Caterpillars are active during the day and may wander on trunks, walls, and other surfaces before pupating. They develop through several molts and produce silk cocoons containing irritating hairs.

Larval hairs can cause itchy skin rashes, eye irritation, or respiratory discomfort, especially in sensitive people; avoid handling. They are native herbivores and serve as food for birds and other predators, though outbreaks can defoliate plants.