I am sure there is a logical reason in nature for echidna young to emerge from their burrows in the heat of summer. Nevertheless, for a native animal that is prone to heat stress, it seems very contradictory. A puggle burrow hovers around a cool 20 degrees, and adult echidnas do their foraging for termites and such in the cool of the night.
Every year, from January on, our WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline receives a few calls for young echidnas that have left their burrows. They may have been accidentally excavated or it may have been time for them to emerge. They are totally independent, but do not always cope well with the challenges of the outside world.
This year, one young echidna came into care when found looking unwell. It was under some trees, with flies around it, which is an indication of an infected wound. There was a puncture wound above the tail. Triaged at the Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the xrays fortunately showed no fractures but the wound would need care. WILVOS to the rescue!
In the final stages of being dependent on their mother coming to the burrow to feed them, these visits may be up to ten days apart. This is why it is so important not to relocate echidnas. There may be a young in a burrow nearby that would die without that sustenance. The sex of an echidna can’t be determined by sight. The females only form a pouch when it is time to lay the egg into the pouch. They don’t have teats, but a milk ‘patch’ that the puggle will nuzzle on. Absolutely unique, fascinating creatures.
They love water, are actually quite strong swimmers, and love to take a bath. When coming into care they always utilize a heavy shallow dish of fresh water when given the chance. One of my favourite native animals.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Association Inc. (WILVOS)
PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Nambour Q 4560
Hotline (07) 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au