If you thought that there was no way platypuses were real when you first saw them, don’t feel bad. Even scientists thought that this animal endemic to eastern Australia was a hoax before having a chance to investigate it further.
However, platypuses are quite real and fascinating animals. These fun facts below show it best.
Platypuses Lay Eggs
Despite being considered mammals, platypuses lay eggs instead of bearing young. They are the only mammals, alongside four echidna species, that are known to do so.
Platypuses Lose Their Teeth When They Become Adults
When born, a baby platypus, also known as a puggle, has a set of teeth. However, as they grow older, they lose their teeth in favor of grinding pads in their jaw.
Platypus Fur is Waterproof
Platypuses can spend up to 12 hours in the water during a single day as they look for food. But their skin remains mostly dry during that time. This is because they have the ability to trap air in their fur, consisting of two layers, which ends up preventing water from reaching their skin.
Platypuses Are Venomous
This might not be such a fun fact, but it is a helpful one. While platypuses can look cuddly and sweet, they can actually be dangerous due to their venomous properties. They have venom glands connected to hollow spurs on their hind legs, with the glands mostly being active during their mating season.
