"Platypus will travel fairly long distances on land and they also use drains as highways," Mr Irons said. Mr Irons said people often assumed something was wrong if they saw a platypus on land or near a drain. spur on its hind foot 66 VENOM Scats Cats and gar sense. Is there a best practice for platypus rescue? feet and a bill like a duck, lives by Australian rivers, and lays eggs. And unlike other mammals, the male platypus can deliver venom from a tiny spur on. "The Poisons Hotline is always available to provide advice following any bite or sting, and can provide first aid advice as well, as to whether you need to go to hospital," Dr Coulson said. tail that resembles a ping-pong paddle and four webbed feet. The platypus venom is known to cause extreme swelling and intense pain, but they are often not dangerous or life-threatening to humans. Treatment for a platypus sting can involve simple pain relief or a nerve block to control pain, then surgery to clean the wound area and to investigate the full extent of damage.Īfter spurring Ms Forward held her hand above her head.ĭr Coulson advises contacting the Poisons Hotline on 13 11 26 if unsure. Ms Forward's injury is considered a rare case by Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary director Greg Irons, who says he can recall only three or four cases of platypus spurring in 22 years. The spurs on their hind feet inject venom that is not deadly to humans but is very painful. The venom is resistant to most pain relief and can result in excruciating pain for those on the receiving end. Male platypuses are one of the very few venomous mammals. Perhaps it is used to communicate at night or to hide from predators. isn't necessary because it isn't known to cause major systemic effects, and it won't help with the local symptoms." Platypus fur is also bioluminescentit glows blue-green under ultraviolet light Scientists are unsure why platypuses glow. "The platypus sting only causes localised pain and swelling," Dr Coulson said. Unlike snake bites, Dr Coulson said a pressure bandage was not needed. Dr Coulson said practical steps could be taken following a bite or sting, such as first aid to contain bleeding and seeking help once safe. With a rubbery duck bill, webbed feet and fur, the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of Australia’s strangest and most iconic animals.A monotreme, the platypus is one of only two mammals in Australia that lay eggs (the other is the echidna) and male platypuses have a venomous spur on their back feet.
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