An invasive species of caterpillar is taking over Maine, causing residents to break out in painful rashes

Caterpillars are taking over Maine — but they aren't the kind you should befriend. Instead, these critters will leave you with painful rashes wherever they touch.

The state is experiencing an outbreak of the browntail moth caterpillar, an invasive species found on the coast of Maine and Cape Cod. They are easy to identify: They are about 1.5 inches long and dark brown, with white stripes along their sides and two orange dots on their back.  Unfortunately, they are also hard to escape, being found in schools, parks, playgrounds, homes — and pretty much everywhere else.