If you’ve never been lucky enough to spot the elusive platypus in the wild before, now is your chance!

Waterwatch is looking for volunteer platypus spotters, and the last month of winter will give platypus-watchers their best chance of seeing these much-loved animals as they spend more time feeding and preparing for the upcoming breeding season.

Now in its 8th year, Platypus Month continues to grow in popularity.

Throughout August, Waterwatch will be conducting 34 surveys at eight different locations including Jerrabomberra Creek, the Molonglo River near Coppins Crossing, the Murrumbidgee River at Point Hut Crossing, and the Queanbeyan  River.

The group surveys will help inform land managers and researchers about the platypus population.

If some early morning or even afternoon platypus watching sounds like a fun way to spend your month, you can register your interest in helping out with the surveys by emailing waterwatch@act.gov.au.

For those who can’t make the surveys this month but would still love the chance to see a platypus in the wild, Waterwatch is hosting two free walks on the Queanbeyan River - a platypus hotspot! If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to RSVP via Eventbrite.

You can now also help provide information on the platypus population in the ACT region at any time of the year with the new Platty and Ratty portal.

This portal allows you to report sightings of platypus and Rakali (water rats), including uploading your photos, online.

To find out more about how you can get involved in Platypus Month as well as the new Platty and Ratty portal, visit the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website.

The ACT Government and Icon Water provide funding to Waterwatch to help monitor and protect our waterways and native species.