What mammal has a snout, lays eggs, and is covered in spikes?

The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)! The Australian critter is a monotreme, like the platypus. While its spikes aren’t venomous, they still prove to be an effective defense mechanism. When threatened, the echidna curls up in hopes of deterring a foe from further pursuit. Its beak is handy for breaking open termite mounds and its sticky tongue helps it gobble up the bounty.

Photo: Rexness, CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr

#AnimalFacts #nature #dyk #echidna #shortbeakedechidna #monotreme
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