The platypus lives in freshwater lakes, rivers, streams etc. Platypuses are found in bodies of water that have overhanging vegetation, logs and earth that are suitable for constructing their burrows. They are native to Australia, and can be found along the eastern coast, and in Tasmania. They share their habitat with many other creatures and have a few natural predators such as crocodiles, birds of prey, dogs, foxes and even cats. The baby platypuses stay in the mothers burrow until they are old enough to take care of themselves, and for good reason. A baby platypus has more natural predators than an adult one, such as pythons, water rats and goannas. The platypus has a number of ectoparasites in the wild, including their own tick species. This tick is often found around the hind limbs, in the fur and on the front legs in smaller numbers. This tick does give off a virus, and can be fatal to the platypus if it invades other tissues, particularly the lungs.