Echidnas are native to Australia and New Guinea. They are one of the four living species, along with the platypus, which are egg-laying mammals. They are sometimes known as the spiny anteater for obvious reason. They are small, solitary animals covered with coarse hair and spines, resembling hedgehogs and porcupines. When threatened, they curl into a ball allowing their spines to shield them. Some predators will still venture into an echidna burrow and prey on young spineless puggles (baby echidna).