Platypus bear

Platypus bears are large egg-bearing mammals that can typically be found near rivers and valleys in the Earth Kingdom. Occasionally, they also stumble their way into Republic City.

History
When Team Avatar was taking a relaxing break in the forest near Makapu Village, they heard a vicious roar, and discovered that it came from a platypus bear that was attacking an elderly man of the nearby village. The man nimbly avoided all of the bear's attacks. Aang intervened, but before he could stop the bear, Appa came up behind it and roared. Out of fright, the platypus bear laid an egg before running off, much to Sokka's delight who wanted to consume it for lunch.

The Fire Nation circus Princess Azula traveled to in the Earth Kingdom in search for her friends, Mai and Ty Lee, owned at least two platypus bears: a full-grown specimen and a cub. The people of the circus were desperately trying to get the grown platypus bear to move, and when the animal eventually stood up, it had laid an egg. Ty Lee was thrilled to see the egg, whereas Azula only expressed disgust. After Appa had been added to the circus's animal collection, he was put in a cage next to a platypus bear.

Team Avatar had their second run in with a platypus bear at the Full Moon Bay ferry terminal, where one was kept by the guards to dispose of contraband vegetables, especially those infected with cabbage slugs. When the cabbage man's crops were denied access to the city, the guards let the platypus bear destroy all the cabbages. After the passport attendant noticed Momo, she threatened to call security again to have them "dispose" of the animal. Momo cowered away upon the frightening view the platypus bear showed.

In Ba Sing Se, when Katara read that the Earth King was having a party for his "bear", Aang guessed it might have meant a platypus bear. Later, one was accidentally set loose and chased citizens of the city before Aang created a new zoo.

Later, in 170 ASC, a platypus bear was sitting beside an old lady in the waiting room of the Police Headquarters in Republic City.

Anatomy
The platypus bear's fur is mostly brown with a shallow white "V" on its chest, and a patch of lighter brown around its eyes. The creature has a large bill lined with jagged teeth and a platypus-like tail. Its front paws are padded with claws and it has large, webbed hind feet.

Connection
As its name implies, the platypus bear has direct connections to real life animals, sharing many characteristics with both namesakes.

Behavior


This animal is quite vicious, and is known to attack humans. When they do attack, they use their clawed paws, as well as their rudder-like tail which also helps them swim. However, they can also be trained and domesticated. The platypus bear is capable of standing upright and also lays eggs, rather than giving birth to live young. These eggs often seem to be laid involuntarily when the platypus bear is in a heightened state of emotion, such as fear or anger. The platypus bear can also be trained and has been seen as both a circus animal and a brute enforcer.

The platypus bear is usually found inland, swimming in rivers and hunting for its favorite food, se tu fish.

Trivia

 * Seventy years after the Hundred Year War, a pro-bending team named itself the Pentacle Palace Platypus Bears.
 * During the Invasion of the Fire Nation, a confronted Azula proved to Toph that she was a good liar by describing herself as a "four hundred foot tall purple platypus bear with pink horns and silver wings".