Two baby echidnas have found themselves in expert care after being accidentally unearthed during building works in rural Victoria, Australia.

The orphaned puggles were disturbed when separate burrows were uncovered — one by an excavator clearing a paddock and the other beneath a concrete slab.

Staff at Healesville Sanctuary say the discovery of two puggles at once is a rare event, reflecting how easily wildlife can be impacted by summer renovations.

The sanctuary's Life Sciences Manager – Animal Health, Gerry Ross, said that when they see puggles, it normally means a burrow has been disturbed.

One of the youngsters is being cared for by a volunteer wildlife carer, while Ross is nurturing the other until its spines have developed.

Gerry Ross said: "People need to be mindful when they are out in the garden at this time of year because there could be hidden wildlife. Puggles can be found in mulch piles that have been dug up, old burn heaps and even on construction sites."

"The one I'm taking care of is a large baby. One of the largest babies I've ever come across. It's feeding really well, every second day. Its eyes and ears were still closed, and it had fur all over when it came in, and now that's changing. We are at the stage where eyes are open, ears are opening and the spines are coming through."

The spiky pair will eventually be released back into the wild near the sites where they were found.