Echidnas are remarkable animals, they are monotremes, which are mammals which lay eggs. They live in the bushland which surrounds my cottage, yet they are seldom seen. I have escorted many across the road though in the years I've lived here. And it's always exciting to see one, they are simply adorable.
These echidnas were seen at a
wildlife park last year. In the wild they estimate echidnas live for around 16 years. They normally lay one egg at a time, and will incubate the egg until it hatches. Unlike other mammals they don't have teats, instead they have milk patches on their skin for the puggle to suckle. Their quills are made of keratin, they are spiky and offer defence from predators and harsh conditions.
I have even had one visit my garden, the tell tale sign of an ants nest being dug out left in it's wake...
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