Wildlife Spotting

These are called Cinnabar Moth Caterpillars. They are not native to North America but Oregon Vector Control releases thousands of them each year to try to combat the invasive ragwort (ragweed) plant on which the caterpillars feed. They turn into pretty black and red moths, you may have seen them around. I live in Milwaukie and I see the adult moths from time to time. I have seen these caterpillars all the way up on Mt Hood too!