Short-beaked echidna

The short-beaked echidna is one of four living species of echidna who evolved between 20 and 50 million years ago. They are covered in fur and spines with a snout and tongue designed for rapidly catching insects. Like its platypus cousins, it is one of the few mammals that lays eggs. We came across this one when it was hunting near our campsite in beautiful Mount Field National Park. Read more about the Tasmanian wildlife we encountered in our post, Tent Camping in Tasmania.