An albino, his pearly spikes and pink nose attract attention wherever he goes on the rural estate he calls home at Jamberoo.

Albinism occurs through gene mutations which affect the production of normal pigmentation in birds, animals and humans. It is characterised by pale skin, eyes and hair.

Resident Ken Nisbet said he did not know what to make of it when he saw the little critter.

"I was driving along Nunninuna Dr one day and saw him on the road and couldn't believe it ... I thought it was an echidna but the colour put me off," Mr Nisbet said. "I had to take a photo because I thought nobody would believe me."

He said a few neighbours had since seen the echidna but it had now gone into hibernation.

WIRES echidna carer Tanya Fisher said she had not heard of an albino echidna in her three years with the organisation.

"The echidna has no predator, apart from cars on the roads, but its unusual colour may lead to it being harassed by animals such as dogs," she said. "Its pink nose will burn easily but luckily they forage very early or very late ..."