Australian Fisherman's Rescue of Baby Echidna Is a Reminder to Be Kind
This kind soul came along at exactly the right time!
In case you aren't aware, Echidnas are mammals native to Australia and New Guinea. They're one of the only two known monotremes, along with the platypus, which are egg-laying mammals. The little ones are called 'Puggles,' and they sort of resemble small anteaters crossed with porcupines. The difference is they have long little snouts they use for hoover-ing insects and tiny claws.
While on a fishing trip, TikTok user @Hazfos came across one of these Puggles who had gotten caught in the rapids and was in danger of going under. Watch the following video to see this tiny thing get rescued.
View the original article to see embedded media.
"Poor little guy! So lucky you guys found him!," commented @Sarahbidal. Considering these animals are nocturnal, it's surprising he was in the water during daylight hours to begin with. He should have been all cozy burrowed in the ground. Echidnas are capable swimmers and can cross rivers and other bodies of water when necessary. They have powerful front legs and claws, which they can use to paddle through the water, and they can also inflate their lungs to increase buoyancy. @Cherry commented, "They're actually extremely good swimmers, and they're very adjusted to currents and high surf. I wouldn't worry about him." @HarryFoster replied, "Typically we wouldn't, but after coming through 600m of rapids, he looked super tired. Plus, he was going under."
I think it's safe to say this little Puggle was grateful to be back on dry land. What wonderful people for helping this little fellow out.
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.
Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
