Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) has asked drivers to watch out for echidnas on the roads this breeding season. 

From late June until early September echidnas are on the move looking for love, which sadly means an increase in injuries and deaths from vehicle strikes. 

The exact number of vehicle strikes is unknown as it is believed most go unreported. 

Sometimes known as spiny anteaters, echidnas are spine-covered monotremes; egg-laying mammals.

SKER operates a 24 hour emergency hotline for injured koalas and echidnas in the southern region. 

With volunteer rescuers across the Fleurieu region and a rehabilitation centre, including a vet clinic, in Onkaparinga Hills, help is never far away according to SKER’s Mish Simpson.

She says Knuckles (pictured) was found in the middle of the road in Aberfoyle Park by a young couple driving late at night. 

“It was obvious from the blood he had been hit and left. If this caring couple had not have picked him up, he probably would have been hit again. 

“They rushed him straight to SKER. Knuckles had his beak broken in three places with bone exposed but on advice from Dr Peggy Rismiller (world renowned echidna expert on Kangaroo Island) we gave him a chance. 

“With the help of a special 'sock' (medical tubing) we were able stabilise his beak and allow the bone to be protected while it healed. 

“After a couple of months in care, with him eating us out of house and home, it is almost time for Knuckles to return home to continue his life as a wild echidna.”

Mish says one simple phone call is all it takes to save a life, or report a deceased echidna so SKER can track road hot spots. 

SKER's 24/7 Hotline is 0435 056 252.