The platypus, a distinctive mammal from Australia, fascinates with its unique features: a duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, and otter-like body. This egg-laying monotreme is one of only five species. While its unusual appearance might evoke curiosity, it remains a wild animal, and human interaction is not part of its natural behavior.
Their Natural Behavior
Platypuses are reclusive and shy, preferring to avoid human contact. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night, dusk, and dawn, though they can sometimes be seen during the day, particularly in overcast conditions. These semi-aquatic animals spend 10 to 12 hours foraging for food in freshwater environments. When not foraging, platypuses typically retreat to their burrows dug into riverbanks, where they can sleep for many hours.
They are largely solitary animals, establishing individual home ranges within their aquatic habitats. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms, and freshwater shrimp, which they detect using highly sensitive electroreceptors in their bills while submerged. They are not accustomed to or reliant on food provided by humans. When disturbed, platypuses may growl or squeak, indicating their discomfort.
The Venomous Spur
A significant characteristic of the platypus, particularly concerning human interaction, is the presence of a venomous spur. Only male platypuses possess these hollow spurs, located on the inner side of each hind ankle. These spurs are connected to venom glands situated in the upper thigh region. Venom production in these glands increases during the breeding season (August to October), suggesting its primary role is in competition among males for mates and territory.
While the venom is not considered life-threatening to humans, a platypus envenomation can cause excruciating pain. Individuals who have been spurred describe the sensation as worse than childbirth or shrapnel wounds. The venom leads to rapid swelling around the wound site, and the intense pain can persist for days, weeks, or even months, often proving unresponsive to standard pain relief medications like morphine. Nausea, cold sweats, and localized muscle wasting have also been reported.
Observing from a Distance
Given their reclusive nature and the male’s venomous spur, the safest way to appreciate platypuses is by observing them from a considerable distance. Platypuses are protected by legislation across Australian states. It is illegal to capture, kill, or interfere with these animals without proper authorization, with penalties including significant fines and imprisonment.
If you encounter a platypus in the wild, remain quiet and still, allowing the animal to continue its natural activities undisturbed. Never attempt to touch, handle, feed, or corner a platypus, as such actions can stress the animal and provoke a defensive reaction, potentially leading to a painful envenomation. Even if a platypus appears out of water or in an unusual location, it may not be in distress, as they sometimes travel over land or use drainage systems as pathways. Respecting their wild nature and maintaining a safe distance ensures both human safety and the well-being of these unique Australian mammals.