Platypuses

The platypus is one of the strangest animals in the world. It has a duck-like bill, a beaver-like tail, and otter-like feet. It lives in Australia and is one of only five mammals that lay eggs! When scientists first saw a platypus, they thought it was a hoax.

Unique Features

The platypus bill is not hard like a duck's. It is soft and rubbery and full of sensors that detect electrical signals from prey. Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their back legs. Platypuses swim with their eyes, ears, and nose closed, using only their bill.

Egg-Laying Mammal

The platypus is one of only two types of mammals that lay eggs. The mother lays 1 to 3 eggs and keeps them warm with her tail. Baby platypuses are tiny and blind when they hatch. The mother feeds them milk, but she does not have nipples. Instead, milk oozes through her skin.

Fun Facts

• The platypus is one of few venomous mammals.
• Its bill detects electrical signals from prey.
• Baby platypuses are called puggles.

Did You Know?

When the first platypus specimen was sent to England in 1799, scientists tried to pull the bill off because they were sure someone had sewn a duck bill onto a beaver body as a joke!