Chaos as runaway echidna somehow avoids getting squashed by racecars

An uncooperative echidna was nearly responsible for an accident at Sunday's Bathurst 1000, the annual 1,000km touring car race held in Australia, after the critter wandered on the track and was almost hit by several cars.

The animal, which to an untrained eye closely resembles a hedgehog, was responsible for "madness" on the circuit after it was spotted crossing the track.

The race was prom