By Chelsea Pickett

Elm Street School

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an animal that is very unique. It makes its home in forests, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in Eastern Australia. It is very rare, but a few have been spotted in Southern Australia. It only lives in freshwater systems.

The Platypus can weigh up to five pounds. It’s nose is shaped much like a duck’s bill. It also has a tail like a beaver, and webbed front and hind feel. Also, males grow to be larger than the females.

Probably the most interesting thing about this creature is the noises that it makes. It can make noises like a broody hen, or like a puppy’s growl, It uses its call like a telephone to contact neighbors and playmates.

Just like every other animal, the platypus must eat too. It feeds mainly underwater, gobbling up mollusks, tadpoles, shrimp, and waterweeds. Sometimes, it feeds on the land. It eats mainly earthworms and insect-larvae there.

To find out more about the Platypus and other animals, log onto: http://www.animaldiveryjty.ummz.edu/site/index.html