TAKE THE LEAD FOR PLATYPUS THIS OCTOBER

Did you know platypuses live in waterways across most of Victoria? They’ve been recorded in 24 of Victorias 27 river basins, and in many of Melbourne’s catchments.

Despite their wide distribution, platypuses are a threatened species in Victoria, listed as vulnerable. One of the biggest and most preventable threats they face is dog attack. Research shows dog attacks are one of the leading causes of platypus deaths in Victoria, and even the presence of dogs can disturb and stress platypuses.

This October, we’re encouraging everyone to Take the Lead for Platypus, by leashing dogs around waterways.

Why it matters

Off-leash or poorly controlled dogs can disturb, injure and kill a platypus. Even playful dogs can stress wildlife, interrupting feeding, resting and breeding. An off-leash dog can cause harm well after the walk has ended – their scent and droppings scare smaller animals, making habitats feel unsafe.

Dr Jessica Thomas, Healesville Sanctuary Platypus Specialist, has observed a rise in platypus patients coming through the wildlife hospital with injuries consistent with dog attacks.

“When walking near waterways, keeping your dog on a lead is one of the simplest ways to protect platypuses. Dogs can move quickly in the shallows and may injure or kill a platypus before their owner even realises what has happened. Dogs on lead keeps everyone safe”

Leashing your dog protects them too. Waterways are prime habitat for snakes and paralysis ticks which pose serious risks to pets. Victoria is home to 27 snake species, most of them venomous, making on-leash walks the safer choice.

Most Victorian’s support leashing to protect wildlife

Protecting wildlife is important to Victorians and most people expect dog owners to do the right thing.

In Victoria there is strong support for wildlife protection among dog owners. Research shows nearly three-quarters (73%) of Victorians agree that dogs should be leashed near wildlife habitat and most dog owners (70%) support leashing rules to protect threatened species, like platypus.

Join the many Victorians already acting to protect platypus:

1. Leash your dog around rivers, creeks and lakes.
2. Choose walking routes that allow dogs when visiting waterways with your pooch. Check out Park Victoria’s A-Z guide for dog friendly walking trails.
3. If you find a platypus in distress, please contact Wildlife Victoria: 24/7 phone line: (03) 8400 7300 or Online: https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/report-a-wildlife-emergency
4. Learn more: https://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/project/take-the-lead-for-platypus-platypus-month-2026

Platypus could be living in your local waterway!

Platypus are mostly active at night and difficult to spot. Even if you’ve never seen one, they could be living in your local creek.

Try spotting a platypus! Dawn and dusk are the best time to view these incredible animals. Locate a stretch of river where platypus are likely to live – waterways with steep, vegetated banks, pebbly riverbeds and good flowing water are ideal. Find a quiet spot with a view of the river, settle in and be patient. Visit platypusspot.org  to learn where platypus live and share your platypus sightings.