So driving today on a local road (semi rural) the cars coming in the opposite direction were flashing their lights. This usually means a speed trap but as I was only doing the 80km/h speed limit I was not concerned. BUT rounding the corner cars were swerving around an echidna planted firmly in the middle of the road.
I pulled up my car and stopped the traffic in both directions - I am a reasonably large guy, bigger enough to dent a fender, when I stand in the middle of the road cars stop!!
Anyone who has seen an echidna knows they have spines, very very sharp spines (this is why this monotreme has survived for so long). Try moving one or worse, try picking one up!! Usually when in danger they form a ball of spikes and dig themselves into they ground. Luckily for this fella he's one a bitumen road; can't dig in, but still has spikes!!.
With a little pain I was able to get my hand underneath (their underside is surprisingly soft), lift him (well I didn't actually sex the little bugger, but it was fairly big) up and carry him to the road side and release him pointed away from the road.
Applause from other drivers (still in their cars!! fancy being scared LOL).
Got back in the car and drove off before I noticed the blood on my fingers. That stopped but the tips of my fingers still "tingle" and I think there are bits of the little pricks under my skin!! |