RESCUE ADVICE
Echidnas
Echidnas are Australia’s most widespread native mammal, found in almost every environment—from snowy mountains to deserts and even urban areas, where their camouflage helps them stay hidden.
The short-beaked echidna, common in the Hunter region, is the smaller of the species. They vary in colour depending on their location and are easily recognised by the sharp spines covering their short, stocky bodies.
Echidnas are usually found among rocks, hollow logs, or tree root hollows. In wet or windy weather, they often burrow into the soil or shelter under bushes and grasses.
During spring, echidnas become more active, and we often receive reports of them dug in at unusual locations. This is a natural defence behaviour. If the echidna isn’t injured or in danger, the best approach is to leave it alone—it will move on once it feels safe.
If you find an injured or sick echidna, please call our 24/7 Rescue Line on 0418 628 483.
It is operated by volunteers at WIRES. They will alert our team and a trained rescuer will be out as soon as possible.
Rescue Advice
Never Relocate An Echidna
Echidnas have a type of inbuilt GPS that allows them to get to and from their burrows via scent trails – if we relocate them away from their trails they are unable to get back to their babies in the burrow. If you contain a sick or injured echidna, it is very important to record exactly (latitude and longitude) where the echidna was found so that we can return it once rehabilitated.
Vehicle Collisions
If you hit an echidna or encounter a live echidna on the road, it MUST be taken to a veterinary clinic and x-rayed. It is impossible to examine these animals properly without x-ray as you cannot feel broken bones as with other animals. If you can’t get the animal to the vet, call our 24/7 Rescue Line and one of our volunteers will help you transport it.
Please also check the surrounding area for young as very young echidnas can easily be dislodged from the flap like pouch of the mother on impact with a vehicle.
Transporting An Echidna
If you do have to transport an echidna:
• Never use a wire cage – this will damage their beak irreversibly
• Never leave an echidna loose in your car or house! They are incredible escape artists and at any place where they can find a point of leverage, they will use their claws to break open their container.
• Echidnas cannot tolerate temperatures above 25C