Learn about some of the strange and unusual facts and terms in the animal kingdom.
I have spent 15 years studying, handling, and advocating for platypuses – first as a wildlife researcher in Queensland, Australia, and later as an exotic animal consultant working with zoos and conservation bodies across three continents. Almost everything the average person reads about platypuses online is incomplete, outdated, or dangerously wrong. This guide fixes that. […]
Platypus Complete Guide: Venom,Legality, Diet, Cost Read More »
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 »
I’ll be honest. When I first started looking into platypus venom, I expected a boring answer. Small animal, mild venom, move on. What I actually found had me reading scientific papers until 2:00 AM three nights in a row. Here is the part that stopped me cold: morphine doesn’t work on it. Not “works less
I Researched Platypus Venom for 3 Months. The One Detail That Shocked Me Most 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
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
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
What do moles eat? Moles primarily eat earthworms, insects, and soil invertebrates. Contrary to popular belief, moles aren’t after your garden veggies or flower bulbs; they are actually high energy carnivores with a metabolism that demands constant fuel. These subterranean hunters spend nearly their entire lives patrolling a complex network of tunnels in a relentless
What Do Moles Eat? A Complete Guide to Their Diet Read More »
Can Mice Chew Through Concrete? No, mice cannot chew through solid, cured concrete or cement. We should treat concrete walls and cement boards as effective barriers, while paying attention to smaller weaknesses around them. With common-sense prevention (good sealing, clean environment) our homes are safe from these tiny gnawers. After all, as the pros say,
Can Mice Chew Through Concrete? Expert-Verified Facts Read More »
Is your peaceful morning shattered by a sudden, frantic barking outburst aimed at an unsuspecting squirrel outside your window? You’re not alone. The sound of that indignant, repetitive “Woof! Woof! Woof!” as your dog gazes intently at the twitching tail of a squirrel can be incredibly frustrating. It’s a common, often exasperating behavior for dog