COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - From high altitudes to tropical rainforests, platypuses are native to Eastern Australia. When it was first scientifically described in 1799, it was laughed at and checked for stitches. You can’t blame researchers for doing so either. It had the tail of a beaver, the body of an otter, and a soft duck bill.

Platypuses are one of the few venomous mammals that remain. Spurs on the males’ back ankles inject venom to ward off predators. It’s a different formula than snake venom, and while it won’t kill humans, it’ll ruin your day. The venom causes aches and pains that can sometimes linger for years!

When it comes to feeding, platypuses use “electrolocation”. This is because their eyes, ears, and nose are closed underwater. They have about 40,000 receptors in their bill t

See Full Page