The platypus was spotted by a tourist this week and was reported to be wounded by a piece of plastic wrapped around its leg.

Volunteer group Friends of Fernglade sprung into action on Wednesday and tried to catch the platypus so they could remove the plastic and provide medical attention if required.

RELATED: Three platypuses found dead in trap

Group coordinator Vivenne Briggs said the platypus “wasn’t looking too good” on Wednesday but had showed signs of improvement as the rescue effort continued on Thursday and Friday.

“The animal has picked up,” she said.

“It’s certainly not getting worse at the moment so we’re hoping that the plastic has dislodged and will heal up.”

Around 30 volunteers have been involved in the rescue effort including platypus expert and Ulverstone vet James Macgregor.

Dr Macgregor advised Friends of Fernglade to halt rescue attempts over the weekend and just monitor the platypus so it can rest.

If the platypus is female, it may be in the midst of breeding. If it’s male, a botched rescue attempt could lead to a volunteer getting stung by the venomous spurs male platypuses have on their legs.

“The venom causes immediate and intense pain and swelling,” Dr Macgregor said.

“There’s no antidote and pain relief doesn't help.”

Despite this risk, Ms Briggs is hoping the platypus is a male.

“A female could potential lose two babies as well,” she said.

“We cant afford to lose any more (platypuses) down there.”

Fernglade Reserve is renowned for its platypus population but last year three were found dead in a crayfish trap.

Ms Briggs said there could be a “localised extinction” in Fernglade if too many more platypuses die before they’re able to breed.

While this is a concern, Friends of Fernglade isn’t short of people keen to help protect the local platypus population.

On the third day of the rescue attempt, the group published a Facebook post asking if anyone could lend them a boat to help capture the platypus.

Ms Briggs said they secured a small fishing boat within an hour and a half.

“I took the Facebook post down because it was going crazy with people trying to help, which is fantastic,” she said.

The boat was owned by Upper Burnie draughtsman Russell Walker.

Mr Walker has visited Fernglade with his children and said his daughter was a big fan of platypuses.

“I had some spare time and decided to help,” he said.

Friends of Fernglade has urged the public not to flock to the reserve so the injured platypus isn’t overwhelmed.

The group will also host the Burnie Platypus Festival on January 28.