How do platypuses protect themselves from predators?

Platypus actually seem to be defenseless, non aggressive animals, BUT when threatened… and the males during breeding season, can be quite formidible. read more

Mostly by keeping themselves hidden but when they find themselves cornered, the males have a little spur on each back leg that they use to defend themselves when necessary. This spur is mildly venomous and can even kill animals about their same size. read more

As she leaves the burrow, the mother platypus makes several thin plugs made of soil and lined with leaves and grass along the length of burrow; this helps to protect the young from predators which would enter the burrow during the mother's absence. read more

Platypuses also dig burrows into riverbanks. These burrows are only large enough for smaller predators to enter, but they do not provide protection from snakes. Male Platypuses have ankle spurs on their hind legs through which they can dispense venom composed largely of defensin-like proteins (DLPs), unique to the Platypus. read more

These burrows are only large enough for smaller predators to enter, but they do not provide protection from snakes. Male Platypuses have ankle spurs on their hind legs through which they can dispense venom composed largely of defensin-like proteins (DLPs), unique to the Platypus. read more