Platypus are protected in Australia because they are threatened with extinction. Catching and keeping them captive is an offence.
The man was caught on security cameras as he boarded the train with a woman and the platypus. According to Australian police, the couple let other people pet the platypus.
According to the corps, this behavior is risky for the platypus. For example, the animal can experience a lot of stress and contract diseases. There are also risks for humans: platypus males have a kind of poisonous spine on their hind legs. The pain of such a sting is comparable to the pain of hundreds of wasp stings.
The man is accused of taking and capturing a protected animal. He is now facing a fine of 430,000 Australian dollars (about 264,000 euros). He is due to appear in court on Saturday. Officers also spoke to the woman he was with. It is unclear whether she is also a suspect.
The current location of the platypus is unclear. Police have received information that the animal was released into a river, writes BBC News.
