Platypus

Despite being a renowned recluse, the platypus is one of Australia’s most recognised animals. With water-resistant fur, this semi-aquatic creature loves to frolic and play in the freshwater rivers and creeks it calls home.

They might look cute and cuddly, but come across a male platypus in mating season and you’ll be in for a painful shock. Male platypuses have a hollow spur on each hind leg connected to a venom secreting gland, and while their venom is lethal, there are no recorded deaths from platypuses or from platypus stings.

Like a shark, the platypus uses electronic impulses to detect underwater prey and locate objects in the darkest depths of the creeks and rivers they call home. They feed on insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, worms and yabbies, which they bring to the surface to eat.