A platypus believed to have been taken from the wild and transported on a Brisbane train urgently needs to be returned to its natural environment, officials say.

Two people were spotted boarding the train at Morayfield on Tuesday with a platypus wrapped in a towel, Queensland Police said. 

The pair were patting the animal and showing it to fellow commuters, and investigators believe they were on their way to Caboolture, about 20 minutes away.

Queensland Police have issued a joint appeal with the Department of Environment and Science calling for the animal to be returned to a police station or vet immediately.

The platypus is at risk of becoming sick, diseased or dying the longer it is out of its habitat, police say.

It should not be fed or introduced to any new environments. 

Platypuses also have venomous spurs that can injure pets and people.

Taking a platypus from the wild is an offence under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act and a maximum penalty of more than $430,000 applies.

Anyone with information is urged to make a report through Policelink.