Black Caterpillars Eating Oak

[ecampbell]

First time I saw these guys near not so High Crossing this morning.

What impressed me was how they all packed together.
Further on I saw some crossing the trail head to butt, single file. Who are they.

 

[46er]

ISIS forward column? Or maybe tent caterpillars. Amazing little critters

 

[Gibby]

Those are Buck Moth caterpillars which are a stinging variety.

 

[ecampbell]

Thanks. From what I read about them maybe I should have stepped on them.