15/10/2020
For most of the year, echidnas move around under the cover of darkness, but right now they are out and about at all different times while they look for a mate. This means that they are more prone to being hit by cars or being injured.
Here are a few tips so you know what to do if you encounter an echidna:
🦔 If an echidna is found on or next to the road (e.g. gutter), it needs to be rescued and checked over by a vet check at a wildlife hospital. It is very difficult to see an echidna's beak/snout which is the most commonly fractured body part after an impact with a vehicle.
🦔 If found in a suburban back yard that is fenced, we need to establish if it can get out of the yard easily and move on to a safe location. If it is a suburban area, then it would be more appropriate to have it removed by an echidna rescuer who will check it is it to a new home.
🦔 Dead echidnas should be reported to Council on 1300 307 800 for collection of the body. As they are in the mating part of their breeding cycle, there shouldn’t be any risk of a puggle (a baby echidna) laying on or nearby mum. In a few months’ time, though, this will be a very real possibility.
If you encounter an echidna in any of these situations, please call our local wildlife rescue service, ANARRA, on 5484 9111.
Thank you for helping keep our furry (and spikey!) friends safe.