The platypus is one of the most unusual mammals known to science, combining traits typically associated with birds, reptiles and aquatic animals. Among its distinctive features is a venom system found ...

These crural glands produce a sticky venom made up of complex chemicals. When a platypus feels threatened, it will stab its spurs into its attacker and inject this toxic venom. Fortunately for humans, ...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - From high altitudes to tropical rainforests, platypuses are native to Eastern Australia. When it was first scientifically described in 1799, it was laughed at and checked for ...

Male platypuses have sharp spurs on their back legs shaped like a canine tooth. These hollow spurs measure 0.59 to 0.71 inches long and connect to crural glands in the animal’s upper thighs. These ...