Echidnas are unique, spiny mammals native to Australia and New Guinea. They belong to a group called monotremes, which means they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. With their long snouts and spiky coats, echidnas are well-adapted for foraging for insects and worms in the ground. They use their sharp claws to dig and their long tongues to catch their food. These fascinating creatures are often confused with platypuses, another type of monotreme. Echidnas have a distinctive appearance, featuring a body covered in spines and a beak-like snout. They are solitary animals and can be found in various habitats, from forests to grasslands, showcasing their adaptability in the wild.