Echidnas – What To Do When You Find One
Echidnas are shy, spiny monotremes found across most of Australia. As natural insect controllers, they play an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on ants and termites. They’re often seen crossing roads or foraging in gardens and bushland.
🧐 When People Encounter Echidnas
You might come across an echidna:
- Wandering through backyards or bushland
- Crossing roads (where they are often hit by vehicles)
- Being disturbed by pets, people, or construction
- Injured, or as an orphaned young (“puggle”) if the mother has been killed
🛑 What To Do
1. Do Not Pick Up or Move It Unnecessarily
If the echidna is uninjured and in a safe area, allow it to move on in its own time. They often stop and curl up when frightened but will continue on once they feel safe.
2. If in Danger (e.g. on a road or near pets):
- Gently herd it to safety using a towel or broom, without touching the spines.
- If in a backyard with dogs, ask the owner to confine pets until the echidna leaves.
3. If Injured or Orphaned:
- Call Wildlife Rescue Australia immediately.
- Echidnas are highly stress-prone and can burrow quickly when threatened.
⚠️ Important Handling Guidelines
Never use shovels, pressure hoses, or pointed tools to extract an echidna from hiding. These methods can cause serious injury.
To lift an echidna on soft surfaces:
- Approach from behind and slide hands beneath the shoulders and belly.
- Wait until the echidna relaxes before lifting.
- Place it in a secure container with a firm lid and air holes (avoid slatted plastic containers as the beak may become trapped).
To remove from hard surfaces (e.g. roads):
- Use a car mat, towel, or coat to gently wedge under the body.
- Roll the echidna onto the mat and carry it to safety or place into a container if injured.
Never pull or lift an echidna by its legs.
This can cause hip dislocation and muscle strain.
📜 Why This Matters
- Echidnas are protected in all states and territories of Australia.
- Rescuing injured echidnas promptly is critical—especially after vehicle strikes, as X-rays are needed to assess internal injuries.
- They are essential to biodiversity and contribute to natural pest control.
🔍 References:
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2023). Echidna – animal facts. Link
- WIRES Wildlife Rescue. (2024). Echidnas. Link
- Australian Museum. (2024). Short-beaked Echidna. Link
(Adapted from Wildlife Rescue South Coast Newsletter, May 2014)
