An echidna was rescued from a prickly situation in Hutton Street, Kyneton, last Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The echidna was found wandering the car park between the Macedon Ranges Shire Council offices and court and the nearby busy roadway.<\/p>\n
MRSC director of planning and environment, Rebecca Stockfeld, said council staff acted quickly help the echidna to safety.<\/p>\n
“There were concerns the echidna could be hit by a car due to the area being busy at the time,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Council’s local laws officers managed traffic so the echidna could cross safely, however, it wandered towards an open storm drain and eventually curled itself up.<\/p>\n
“Cat cage doors and towels were used to block the echidna\u2019s access to the drains.<\/p>\n
“Officers were then able to pick up the echidna and place it safely into a plastic carrier using thick leather gloves and a towel.”<\/p>\n
The officers contacted Wildlife Victoria rescuers who provided advice about safely releasing the echidna after it was contained.<\/p>\n
Later in the day, once court closed and traffic had cleared, the echidna was safely released into a grassed area near the car park.<\/p>\n
“This was a great outcome and I commend the quick thinking of council officers to ensure the safety of the echidna and the public,” Ms Stockfeld said.<\/p>\n
“Due to the warm weather and being post-breeding season, there may be more echidnas on the move. Residents are advised that if they see any wandering, echidnas should not be moved from the immediate area as a burrow and possibly young may be nearby.”<\/p>\n
Wildlife emergencies can be reported to Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n