Man says where platypus is after being charged with taking Australian native from waterway
A Queensland man has been charged for allegedly removing a platypus from the wild.
The 26-year-old faces a fine of more than $430,000 if he's convicted of taking the Australian native, endangered in some states, from a waterway in Morayfield yesterday.
Police allege he got on a train to Caboolture with the platypus "wrapped in a towel, patting it and showing it to fellow commuters" before going to a local shopping centre.
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Caboolture Police and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science made an urgent appeal last night, fearing the animal could die if not given immediate veterinary help. Supplied
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The platypus has not been found and its condition is unknown.
Police were told it was released into the Caboolture River after the man was arrested by the railway squad this afternoon in Caboolture.
An urgent appeal was issued for the platypus to be returned yesterday, with authorities fearing it could die without immediate veterinary help.
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"The animal may become sick, be diseased or die the longer is it out of the wild and should not be fed or introduced to a new environment," Queensland Police said in a statement.
"It may also have venomous spurs which can cause significant injury to people and animals.
Unlawfully taking and keeping a platypus, which is endangered in some parts of Australia, is an offence that carries a maximum fine of $431,250.
The man has been charged with taking a protected animal and breaching restrictions on keeping or taking a protected animal.
"If you are lucky enough to see a platypus in the wild, keep your distance," police added.
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