#shortbeakedechidna

[coffeenuts]

[amnhnyc]

What mammal has a snout, lays eggs, and is covered in spikes? The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)! The Australian critter is a monotreme, like the platypus. While its spikes aren’t venomous, they still prove to be an effective defense mechanism. When threatened, the echidna curls up in hopes of deterring a foe from further pursuit. Its beak is handy for breaking open termite mounds and its sticky tongue helps it gobble up the bounty. Photo: Rexness, CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr #AnimalFacts #nature #dyk #echidna #shortbeakedechidna #monotreme https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch7CL4xgpdi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bjekkergauken]

It’s october again! I’m continuing the continent theme with oceanian animals.

Day 1: Short-beaked echidna

[therealmiamuze]

#echidna #shortbeakedechidna For some reason #instagram is being totally screwy right now. 3rd attempt. (at Australia Zoo)

[justjossn]

#shortbeakedechidna (at Featherdale Wildlife Park)

[brent667]

This echidna is in defence mode after being barked at (from no closer than 10ft) in the backyard as it was innocently going about it's business eating ants. I'm providing safe passage for it, but I think I need to give it a helping hand since I KNOW where safety is, and quite a few spine tips being broken... Guessing from fending off other things, but a little concerned it's not in great health as I've never noticed broken spines on any echidnas I've seen before, and don't know how long they take to grow back etc. ...Or how to relocate an echidna safely for the both of us. #shortbeakedechidna #echidna #monotreme #northcentralvictoria

[non4me]

#shortbeakedechidna at #healesvillesanctuary #healesville #XRAY @zoosvictoria #L (at Healesville Sanctuary)

[euphoricraccoon]

Echidna by Greg Miles on Flickr.