Echidnas are unique, spiny mammals found mainly in 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. These fascinating creatures are often mistaken for porcupines due to their spines, but they are more closely related to platypuses. Echidnas have a keen sense of smell and can dig quickly to find food. They are solitary animals and can live for over 50 years in the wild.