Australia: Woman stung on arm by venomous platypus

It was an encounter she would remember for a long time! On her way home to Tasmania, Jenny Forward saw what she thought was an injured platypus on the side of the road. Thinking she was doing the right thing, the Australian picked up the little animal. Then she felt a spike dig into her arm, causing excruciating pain.

⋙ Japan Airlines has chartered an extra flight due to sumos on the passenger list

Stab in the arm with a poisonous spur

The platypus may look adorable with its duck-shaped beak, otter-like feet, and beaver-like tail, but it’s also terrifying. This nearly 50cm semi-aquatic mammal – the only one that lays eggs – is actually equipped with a spur that pierces its “enemies” and releases venom.

“I felt like someone stabbed my arm. Jenny Forward told ABC News. The pain was excruciating…definitely worse than childbirth.”

After the spur was removed from her arm, the Australian went to hospital. There, ABC News reports, doctors gave him antibiotics and pain relievers before performing emergency surgery to clean and stitch his wounds. But a week after treatment, she was still in pain and had red swelling on her hand.

⋙ Building roads by melting the moon: Scientists experimented in the laboratory

A painful poison, but not fatal

The Australian Wildlife Conservation Society (APC) said on its Facebook account that although platypus venom is not fatal, it can cause severe pain and swelling in the bitten area of ​​the body. There is currently no approved antivenom, but nerve blockers can be used to reduce pain.

Finally, the PCA advises handling platypuses by the middle or end of their tail to avoid spurs, rather than under the belly.

⋙ Animal sexuality: Female adaptation to nonconsensual mating

On the same topic:

⋙ What animals to see in Australia?

⋙ Australia: Dozens of animals saved from drought… Wombats!

⋙ Who is the quack nicknamed “the happiest animal in the world”?