I don’t know if this is correct about platypuses, but this IS generally how you handle snapping turtles and you are much more likely to deal with one of those.
Their dangerous trick has nothing to do with their legs though. It’s their neck. It is very long, very flexible, and fast. If you hold them the wrong way, they can hit you with a reach-around that is very much not the friendly sex move.
Stay tuned for more wildlife handling tips from me, your local halfway engineer-turned-farmer!
Edit to add a photo I found on an informational website about these longbois:
I don’t know if this is correct about platypuses, but this IS generally how you handle snapping turtles and you are much more likely to deal with one of those.
Their dangerous trick has nothing to do with their legs though. It’s their neck. It is very long, very flexible, and fast. If you hold them the wrong way, they can hit you with a reach-around that is very much not the friendly sex move.
Stay tuned for more wildlife handling tips from me, your local halfway engineer-turned-farmer!
Edit to add a photo I found on an informational website about these longbois:
https://www.chelydra.org/neck.jpg