A nature is full of surprises: from the broadest ecosystems to the most specific details of the creatures that inhabit our planet.
And as we know, Earth’s rich biodiversity manifests itself in extraordinary ways, often defying our expectations.
While we commonly associate venom with reptiles and insects, there are also mammals that have this characteristic, despite their cute and harmless appearance.
These adorable animals at first glance guard the poison as a weapon of defense against predators, just to survive. In fact, all venomous animals that exist fit into this premise.
In the following topics, check out four of these poisonous mammals and discover where they live, what they feed on and how they inject their venom into their victims.
4 poisonous mammals: they are not harmless
1. Shrew
Image: Flip/Reproduction
The shrew is a small mammal found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia and North America.
Despite their small size and similarity to rats, shrews are not that harmless; in fact, they have salivary glands that produce a poisonous substance.
This venom is used to immobilize its prey, generally insects and small invertebrates, making it easier to feed.
2. Lorikeet
Image: Freepik/Reproduction
The loris, native to Southeast Asia, is known for his adorable appearance and big eyes. Surprisingly, this animal is one of the few known venomous primates.
Small glands located on the animal’s elbows produce a toxin that is licked off and combined with its saliva.
This venom is used as a defense against predators and even in territorial disputes with other lorises.
3. Almiqui
Image: Sandstein/Wikimedia Commons/Reproduction
The almiqui, or solenodon, is a mammal endemic to the Caribbean islands, especially Cuba and Hispaniola, also known as Saint Dominic.
This one animal It has nocturnal habits and a peculiar appearance, similar to a mixture of several species.
Their salivary glands produce a poisonous substance that is injected through hollow canine teeth, similar to what snakes do.
This venom is used as a defense mechanism against predators, making the almiqui a formidable creature, despite its moderate size.
4. Platypus
Image: Facebook/Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary/Flip/Reproduction
The platypus, found in rivers and streams in Australia and Tasmania, is one of the world’s most extraordinary mammals.
Despite their unique appearance, with a duck’s bill and an otter’s body, the males of this species have poisonous spurs on their hind legs, generally used during the mating season.
This poison is not lethal to humansbut can cause severe pain and swelling.
In addition to being poisonous, the platypus is an animal that intrigues many experts regarding its ancestry.
