Dog walkers warned after Brown Tail moth caterpillars found on Essex beach

Brown Tail moth caterpillars, which could be toxic to dogs, have reportedly been spotted on Jaywick Sands Beach, in Essex.

The caterpillars are brown, have a dotted white line down each side, and two very distinctive red dots on the back of their tail.

A resident told EssexLive that the caterpillars have been hatching from the Brecon on the beach and crawling over the footpath into the gardens of surrounding houses.

Brown Tail moths usually come out during the springtime and can be found near vegetation. If dog ingests a brown tail moth caterpillar, the toxins released by these caterpillars can cause digestive issues, diarrhoea, and even lesions.