No, platypuses are not extinct. But here’s the thing, they’re not doing great either. These odd little creatures are still out there, swimming through the rivers of eastern Australia and Tasmania. They’re alive. They’re real. And they’re every bit as weird as you’ve heard. That said, the platypus is now listed as a near-threatened species, […]
Are Platypuses Extinct? Here’s What’s Actually Going On Read More »
Platypus venom is real, and it’s surprisingly complex. Platypuses have only one trick up their sleeves (or rather, spurs). Male platypuses grow venom glands in their thighs, connected to hollow spurs on their hind legs. So yes, platypus do contain venom – but only the boys do. Females have only vestigial spur buds that drop
Platypus Venom: What It Does, How Dangerous It Is! Read More »
Are platypuses dangerous? For most people, the answer is no. These shy, duck-billed, otter-tailed mammals aren’t looking for humans to attack. In fact, no human has ever been killed by a platypus. However, male platypuses do have venomous spurs on their hind legs, and if you happen to provoke one (for example, by trying to
You might be thinking, “Can I really keep a platypus as a pet?” Let’s get that answered up front: no it’s basically out of the question. Platypuses are wild Australian mammals, and governments treat them as protected wildlife. In fact, it’s illegal to own one anywhere in the world. Even zoos have a heck of
No, not really. In almost every country you will find that owning a platypus as a pet is either illegal or effectively impossible. These strange, semi-aquatic mammals are fully protected wildlife, not domestic animals.They cannot be bought, sold or kept by ordinary people. In fact, one expert summary bluntly states “it is illegal to own
Yes Platypus Can live in Captivity, but only under extraordinary conditions. Platypuses have been kept alive in zoos and sanctuaries, yet nearly all captive platypuses struggle. In fact, a study of 228 zoo platypuses found only 22.4% survived beyond one year. In other words, for most platypuses captivity is very unforgiving. While an occasional individual
How Do Platypuses Live? Platypuses live in freshwater creeks, rivers, and lakes in eastern Australia and Tasmania. They are semi-aquatic mammals, which means they live both on land and in water. They dig burrows in riverbanks where they rest and stay safe. Their thick, waterproof fur keeps them warm in the water. They use their
If you’re wondering, “Mole vs. Shrew vs. Vole: which one is the best pet?” the reality is simple: moles, shrews, and voles aren’t suitable pets. If someone insisted on choosing anyway, the vole would be the least unsuitable. That’s a point many websites gloss over Although they’re small and appealing, these animals are wild and
Mole vs. Shrew vs. Vole: Which One is the “Best” Pet? Read More »
Can rats climb smooth walls? The short answer is no not the super slick ones, anyway. And that’s actually great news if you’re dealing with a potential rat situation. So why does a creature that can climb almost anything suddenly become completely helpless when faced with a smooth wall? Let’s break down what’s actually going
Do dogs feel guilty? The short answer is no, what looks like guilt is usually your dog responding to your tone, body language, or expression, not an understanding of wrongdoing. Many pet owners wonder about this, especially after coming home to chewed-up shoes, a knocked-over trash can, or a puddle on the carpet, and noticing
Do Dogs Feel Guilty? Experts Explain Canine Emotions Read More »