Platypuses are the only mammals that lay eggs! They are mammals because they give milk to their babies. For some reason they live partly in water and partly in land like an amphibian! Are platypuses amphibians or mammals! Yes, mammals, because they give milk after the eggs hatch. Did you know if you touch a platypus, it releases a deadly venom that is very very painful? It is very tempting to touch the soft fur of them, but no, it is the opposite of relaxing. They release venom glands (spurs) on their hind legs that hurt your skin very very much!

Facts:

• Shining an ultraviolet light on a platypus makes the animal’s fur fluoresce with a greenish-blue tint
• Platypuses don’t have a stomach
• The mouth of a platypus stores food in cheek pouches
• Skin flaps cover the Platypus’ eyes and ears underwater which means it is temporarily blind when swimming. Instead, the Platypus uses its bill to feel its way and find food under water
• Platypus are killed to get the venom of them to slow down blood glucose. We need to stop this poaching NOW!