Echidna

Echidnas are small mammals found throughout most of Tasmania. They are monotremes, meaning that they lay eggs despite being warm-blooded. Echidnas grow to about 40 cm (16 inches) in length. Echidnas are sometimes known as spiny ant-eaters, and use their long snout to feast on ants and termites.

Their powerful claws are good for digging, and breaking open ant hills in search of food. In Tasmania, echidnas are most often seen waddling along the side of the road. Their slow nature does make them vulnerable to roaming dogs or to cars, so please be careful while driving in Tasmania!