They're on the endangered list Hipster but still around. They were never numerous as they have a fairly restricted habitat. They live in similar places you'd expect to find Beavers but there are a whole lot less of those permanent wet habitats here. They don't build dams so are reliant on permanent water, and quiet places with mud banks to burrow into. They're treated with respect by all, it's a real treat to see one and people sneak around so as not to scare them. Can't recall hearing of anyone harming them, but I guess some psycho has at one time or other. They're fairly rare but not extinct just yet.
But, even they are venomous, the males have a spur on their hind legs that can deliver a dose of nastiness but I'm not sure what the symptoms are. The one in the car was female or they'd have been handling it a lot more carefully.
