I used to walk barefoot around the yard.....

Scott took this picture of this rather large (about an inch long) creature he found wandering around outside.

After some research we found "The Velvet Ant". Here is what they say ....

Velvet ants are not aggressive and will try to escape from you. The females have a very painful sting if handled. The name "Cow Killer Ant" was given to the velvet ant because of the reputation of the female's sting. It is said that the sting is so painful that it could kill a cow. This handsome insect does make a sound (especially when stepped on) but the squeaks of the cow killer ant would hardly be heard over the painful screams, if the person stepping on the wasp was barefoot.