Echidnas

Echidnas are unusual animals covered in sharp spines. They live in Australia and New Guinea. Echidnas are one of only two kinds of mammals that lay eggs instead of having live babies. The other one is the platypus. Together, they are called monotremes.

Sharp Spines

An echidna's body is covered with stiff spines mixed with fur. These spines help keep it safe from predators. When an echidna is scared, it curls up into a prickly ball. It can also dig straight down into the ground very fast. Only the spiny back is left showing.

Egg-Laying Mammals

A mother echidna lays one small egg and puts it in her pouch. After about 10 days, a tiny baby hatches out. The baby is called a puggle. The puggle stays in the pouch and drinks milk from its mother. Echidnas are the only mammals besides platypuses that lay eggs.

Fun Facts

• Echidnas have no teeth and crush their food between their tongue and the roof of their mouth.
• An echidna's tongue can flick in and out 100 times a minute.
• Echidnas can live for more than 40 years.

Did You Know?

Echidnas are excellent swimmers. They use their snout as a snorkel when they paddle through rivers and lakes.