Platypus

Australia · weird animals · mammals

Mammal that lays eggs. The platypus is one of only five animals in the world called monotremes, mammals that hatch from eggs instead of being born live. The other four are echidnas.

Electric sixth sense. While hunting underwater it closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils, then uses its bill to detect the tiny electric signals made by its prey.

A mix-and-match body. It has a bill like a duck, a flat tail like a beaver, and webbed feet, making it look like several animals combined into one.

Venomous males. The platypus is one of the few venomous mammals. Males have a spur on each back foot that can deliver an extremely painful venom.

Only in Australia. Platypuses live only in eastern Australia, including the island of Tasmania, in rivers and streams.