(Serena 1994; Grant 2015)
Researchers use fyke nets to collect platypuses at night, when these animals are most active.
Because platypuses are nocturnal, aquatic, cryptic burrowers, much is still to be learned about their behavior and ecology.
Researchers often hold wild platypuses by the tail to avoid being stung by venomous spurs on the hind feet of male platypuses. (Female platypuses do not have venomous spurs.)
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.