Australia’s Most Widespread Native Mammal Wanders Onto The Slopes of Perisher Ski Resort

Skiers at Perisher Ski Resort in New South Wales, Australia pulled over on the slopes and whipped out their phones to capture videos as continent’s most widespread mammal made a appearance on the ski trails on July 12th, 2025.

Affectionally known as “spiny anteaters” echidnas’ diet mostly consists of ants and termites and is covered in sharp spines made of keratin, providing them with effective protection from predators. The spiky creatures are part of the same egg-laying family of mammals as platypuses. Echindnas are mostly found in deserts, forests, and coastal heaths but are remarkably adaptable and are known to tolerate and live in snowy environments like this one:

@visitnsw
Just an Aussie icon on a winter stroll. ❄️ You might be used to seeing people skiing and snowboarding at Perisher Ski Resort, but have you ever seen an echidna on the slopes? As Australia’s most widespread native mammal, this one took a solo stroll for its own snowy adventure. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot other furry locals, like wombats on your next visit! Thanks for sharing your #feelNSW moment @Perisher Resort. ID: An echidna takes a walk through the snow. Please note you should always stay a safe distance from our wildlife animals and give them their space. As you can see here the team at Perisher Resort were guiding it from the snow field to safety. #newsouthwales #snowseason #echidna
♬ original sound – New South Wales

Visit New South Wales notes that you should always stay a safe distance from wildlife and give animals their space, even if you encounter an “Aussie icon on a winter stroll.”