I think it's a hickory tussock moth. Hickory tussock moths prefer various types of hickories, but they'll use just about any deciduous hardwood. Here's a picture of a HTM/lophocampa caryae I found on the internet - MissSherry

There are several moth caterpillars that look like what you've described - yellow bears, salt marsh moths, spotted apatelodes, and various other dagger and tussock moths. They're all generalists, meaning that they eat a wide variety of foods, so you could offer it a variety of plants to eat, but it's probably finished eating and looking for a place to cocoon - that's most likely why you found it on the porch. If I were you, I'd offer it food and a good, safe place to cocoon - on behalf of the caterpillar, thanks for your interest! Sherry

Thanks. I saw that and I'm pretty sure it's a spilosoma virginica. I decided against moving him(her?)and figure it will probably make a cocoon soon enough. Besides the brug is big enough that a few leaves won't make a difference. It just better stay away from the buds! lol Karyn

Hi there, you found the caterpillar of the "White Marked Tussock Moth".The caterpillar eats on a variety of different hostplants, like: Maple, Poplar, Elm, Apple etc... The adult male moth is brown and small.The female adult has no wings and lays her eggs on her empty cocoon, the eggs overwinter.. Butterfly-Greetings Susanne(SUE)