The poison is capable of inflicting a very painful injury to humans. Suprisingly, platypus are capable of many vocalisations including a soft growling sound when disturbed. The platypus is widespread in eastern Australia, ranging from tropical lowlands to sub-alpine areas. However, closer settlement is reducing the numbers in certain coastal rivers. Although platypus are strong swimmers they are not fast and prefer slow flowing streams.
Platypus live in burrows that they dig on the banks of fresh water rivers, lakes or streams.
Burrows are usually 4.5 to 9 m in length, oval shaped and are constructed just above the water line, often obscured by vegetation. Behaviour Platypus are solitary animals that only come together to mate, however, several individuals may be found living in close proximity. They are shy and wary, usually venturing out only in the early morning and evening, although there is considerable variability in the time that individuals are active. Platypus forage for food for about 12-13 hours every day and can consume up to half their own body weight a day. They dive for between 20-40 seconds during foraging, resting on the surface for only 10 seconds between dives.