Suburban echidnas on the prowl as breeding season stretches late
People often believe they are helping an echidna by moving it from suburban Adelaide into scrub but a rescue worker says the animals know what they are doing and should be left alone.
Adelaide residents encountering echidnas in their neighborhoods should refrain from relocating them, according to a rescue worker. The echidna population in Adelaide is deemed stable and plentiful in suitable habitats. However, these spiny creatures frequently traverse the city's stormwater system to reach water and nourishment.
While well-meaning individuals may wish to guide them elsewhere, echidnas are typically on a specific path and are aware of their destination. Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue co-founder Mish Simpson expressed concern over the number of echidnas being relocated. She stated that these animals do not want to be in the bush and should not be taken there.
An official from the Department for Environment and Water explained that echidnas are adept navigators, capable of recalling safe routes and evading cars and human activity. They are also protected from common urban threats due to their defensive adaptations, such as curling up, digging, and their spines. Consequently, echidnas have persisted in South Australia compared to other similarly sized mammals.
Ms. Simpson noted a shift in echidnas' breeding season; traditionally in winter, but now, from September to October, the rescue center sees a surge in activity. In 2025, they cared for 15 echidnas, whereas in 2026, they had 40 in the same period. Last year, they only had four. The rescue worker suggested that echidnas may be shutting down due to cold temperatures and resuming activity as the weather warms up.
The primary threats to echidna populations are vehicle collisions and habitat loss from development.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
