Echidnas looking for love

The short-beaked echidna.

Daily Examiner

DON'T be surprised if you find an echidna looking for love in your backyard tonight.

The breeding season of the echidna runs from June to September, so right now male echidnas are on the move across the Clarence looking for females.

Clarence Valley WIRES is asking people to be on the lookout for the mammal, especially in their backyards.

WIRES carer Sandra Byrne said if someone thinks they have an echidna in their backyard they should make sure pets are tied up or locked up until morning.

“By then the 'intruder' should have moved safely out of sight,” Mrs Byrne said.

“However, unless they are in danger from domestic animals in your yard, they are best left until they move on.”

If an echidna is in danger or looks injured, Valley residents have been asked to call WIRES on 6643 4055.

Mrs Byrne said, if necessary, an experienced WIRES rescuer will relocate it to a safer spot very close to where it was rescued. Injured echidnas are taken into care.