Echidnas

Why do Echidnas come into care?
Picture© R Parker - Puggle in care
Echidnas are found right across Australia, and are quite common in the areas where we operate.

​Famous for being one of only two animals in the world that lay eggs (the other is the Platypus) they are known for their sharp protective spines.
  • Trauma caused by motor vehicle impact. Echidnas become very mobile at various times of the year and can often be seen waddling across busy roads and highways. 
  • Attack by dogs or cats. Echidnas have a great defence system. But caught out in the open on rocks or a hard surface, they are more vulnerable
  • Occasionally Echidnas get themselves entangled in fencing or netting
  • Unecessary Rescue (1) Mum echidnas leave their babies (puggles) in a safe place when they wander off to feed. Well-meaning people find them and, thinking they have been orphaned - take them to a vet or wildlife group.
  • Unnecessary rescue (2) When echidnas wander into peoples' back yards and get harrassed by pets, or kids (or adults) they dig in and won't move. People try to remove them (or call us to do so) as they are worried it might get injured.

Found an Echidna in need?

  • If you find a puggle (baby echidna) ​hidden under a shrub or in the undergrowth, do not disturb it. Observe from a distance for a few days to see if the mother returns. If not, ring Wildlife Rescue South Coast as orphaned puggles require special milk, handling and care.
  • ​If you find an injured echidna, you should call Wildlife Rescue South Coast for advice.  If you feel confident in handling it, and it is in danger (e.g. on the road side) we may ask for you to put it into a box for transport.
  • Never, ever, transport an echidna in your car without a container. They may wedge themselves under a seat and removal of the carseat mey be the only option for recovery!
  • Never try to dig out an echidna if it has burrowed into the ground. There is a very high risk of causing life-threatening injuries.
  • If the echidna is in your yard and you are concerned for its safety, you should lock up any pets and prevent people from going near the echidna - it won't move if it senses nearby threats. It may take a few hours, but usually they will wander off when they are ready.
  • Never transport an echidna without permission. It may be a mother with dependent young. If moved to another area they may be unable to return to feed their young.

How you can help

Picture
© R Parker - Echidna release
  • Don’t let pets wander at night - this helps safeguard wildlife and your pets.
  • Retain or restore fallen logs and branches, tree stumps, leaf litter etc. Provides habitat for echidnas and the invertebrates eaten by echidnas.
  • Establish native trees, shrubs and grasses, in habitat corridors to provide habitat and movement corridors for echidnas.​

Want to know more?

Echidnas are fascinating, and not only because they lay eggs and have amazingly spiky protection.  For example, they don't have teats, but exude milk from an area of skin that the puggle rubs and licks.  Find out more at these great websites:
This page last updated August 2019