Echidnas
| Echidnas,
or spiny anteaters, are egg-laying mammals. They have strong
bodies, short legs, and large feet and claws. They use their
claws to dig up and eat ants, termites, and worms. They are covered
with coarse hair and spines. |
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| Female echidnas lay eggs which hatch in 7-10 days.
When the young come out, they stay in the mother's pouch for
6-8 weeks. During that time they nurse and develop a spine. |
The
average life span for an echidna is over 50 years. Humans are
the only longer living mammals. Echidnas can get to be 50 cm.
(20 in.) and can weigh 6.5 kg. (14 lbs.). |
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