The (Duck-billed) Platypus is one of the strangest mammals alive. It is one of only 5 mammal species which lay eggs (the other 4 are echidnas) It is also a rare example of a venomous mammal - the spur on its rear foot delivers a poison that causes severe burns to humans. Of course it has the unique rubbery 'bill' which is not its mouth but a sensory organ (the mouth is on the underneath) capable of detecting the minute electric field generated by all living creatures. This helps it to find food in muddy conditions.
Jungaburra, Queensland, Australia, is a great place to see Platypus. There is even a viewing hide in the village though an early morning walk along the creek increases the chances of spotting the animal. August 2007
