MWCEC received a report of an Echidna with a terrible skin condition. When the Echidna was received into care it was obvious that the poor thing had been through a fire sometime in the past month or two. Most of the spines on its back were melted and its skin was healing but we could see where the fire had burnt.

Echidnas can survive intense bushfires by burrowing into cool soil, sheltering in logs, and entering a state of shallow hibernation. They reduce their metabolism, body temperature and heart rate to survive high heat from fires, even if their spines melt.  

This Echidna’s spines were showing new growth and healing skin. He only had a wound on his leg and face that needed some veterinary attention. After a short time in care, he was released.