By Jan Hefler, The Philadelphia Inquirer Jul. 15--New Jersey officials say gypsy moth caterpillars this year stripped the leaves off thousands of acres of trees -- hitting hard in Burlington County, but doing considerably less damage than was expected.

By Genaro C. Armas STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - These creepy critters enjoy nice long picnics in the woods. The leaf-eating gypsy moth caterpillars are out in force in parts of the mid-Atlantic following a warm, dry spring - just the kind of weather that can make the insects thrive.