Meet Perry the Platypus, the mammal who lays egg 

Nature never fails to amaze us with its exotic array of flora and fauna, ranging from birds that fly to fish that swim to giant animals like elephant that walk the land. The platypus, also known as duck-billed platypus, is one such unique animal. It has so many impressive characteristics that we can’t help but get intrigued by. For starters, the moment you look at one, you notice a blend of a duck and an otter. You may instantly want to cuddle this adorable creature. But let us warn you, that if you ever come across a platypus, you should steer clear of it. Platypus has one of the most painful and venomous stings known to mankind. Talk about deceptive appearances! Here are some other mind-blowing facts about this cute-looking, deadly semi-aquatic mammal. 

Three-in-one creature 
As already established, the duck-billed platypus has an unusual appearance. Scientifically known as Ornithorhynchus anatinus, it is a common Australian amphibian that has adapted beautifully given its aquatic lifestyle. It has a snout (nose) resembling a duck’s beak. But unlike ducks, a platypus uses its sensitive snout to locate its prey and detect weak electric fields. How impressive is that! It has a mole-like body with a tail identical to a beaver’s. As if these weren’t fascinating enough, a platypus also has a waterproof outer layer and flat-webbed feet, just like a penguin. No wonder they are also known as duckbill, duck mole or water mole.  

An egg-laying mammal 
We all know that birds lay eggs, and reptiles lay eggs.  You will be surprised to know that despite being a mammal, the duck-billed platypus lays eggs. This is why it is called monotreme, meaning a mammal with the power to lay eggs. In fact, a female platypus always lays eggs in a pair and prefers to burrow them near a waterbody. But it’s still a mammal, which is why the baby platypus licks mother’s milk off special folds found in the mother’s skin. People often mistake this to be sweat! 

The rare poisonous sting 
Interestingly, a female duck-billed platypus is entirely harmless, while the male is highly poisonous. Males have venomous glands inside their back legs and near the thighs. They are known to release the poison using a hollow spur near the heel region. While the sting of a platypus may not be harmful for humans, it is still very dangerous and can lead to severe swelling and pain. Even today, scientists aren’t sure why the male platypus carries poison. However, it is assumed that it uses the venom only while defending the burrows where the young ones are raised or to keep other males away from the female during the mating season.  

Finding preys 
The shy mammal typically hunts from dusk to dawn and feeds on small fish, frogs and other invertebrates. The platypus uses its advanced electromechanical system to detect weak electrical signals given off by its prey when they are making muscular movements. It uses these signals to hunt them down. Since this signal detection system works only in fresh water, you will typically find this animal swimming in the fresh waterways of Tasmania and Australia.