1. The Fastest Mammals in the Forest
The wombat is an incredibly unique creature, with a thick, luxurious coat of fur that can range from silver gray to sandy or black. Not only do they have a beautiful coat, but they also have large forepaws and strong claws that allow them to burrow into the ground with ease. In addition, they are surprisingly fast, able to run short distances at speeds of up to 25 mph!
Also → Koalas are fascinating creatures with sharp teeth and claws
Advertisement2. Wombats are surprisingly hefty creatures
. Wombats are surprisingly hefty creatures, weighing anywhere from 15 to 36 kilograms and standing 28 to 47 inches tall. What's more, these furry marsupials can live for an impressive 50 years or more!
Also → Female wallabies have unique ability to rear their young in a pouch
3. The Thick-Skinned Burrowers
Wombats are fascinating creatures that live in woodlands, grasslands, and burrows that can be up to 20 feet in length. To protect themselves from predators, they have extra thick skin on their backsides, allowing them to hide in their burrows without fear of attack from behind. This thick skin also helps them to dig burrows quickly and efficiently, making them excellent burrowers.
Also → Quolls: The Sleepy Nocturnal Creatures
4. A Colony of Fascinating Sightings
A mob or colony of wombats is an incredibly fascinating sight to behold. These short-legged, burrowing marsupials are native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to grasslands. When they gather in groups, they are known as a mob or colony, and can range in size from just a few individuals to over a hundred. Wombats are social animals and form strong bonds with one another, so it's not uncommon to see them cuddling, grooming, and playing together.
Also → Eels: Slippery, Scale-less, and Deadly
Advertisement5. Unique Marsupial with a Pouch that Faces Backwards
The wombat is a unique marsupial, with a pouch that faces backwards. This special adaptation serves an important purpose - it helps to protect their young ones from dirt while the mother is foraging for food or digging burrows. The pouch is specially designed to keep the dirt out, and the mother's fur helps to keep the pouch clean. This ensures that the wombat's young are safe and secure while the mother is away.
Also → Komodo Dragons: Adaptive Creatures with a Territorial Range
6. Rare Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat Threatened by Extinction
The Northern hairy-nosed wombat is one of the rarest animals in the world, and is easily recognizable by its unique nose. This species of wombat has a nose that is covered with fur, giving it a distinctively 'hairy' appearance. With only an estimated population of around 230 individuals, the Northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered and is considered one of the most threatened species on the planet. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and ensure its survival.
Also → The Thick Hide on a Buffalo's Neck is an Impressive 2 Inches Thick
7. Wombats are surprisingly powerful creatures
Wombats are surprisingly powerful creatures, capable of using their strong claws and sharp teeth to attack humans and tear through tough roots and grasses. Their claws are so strong that they can dig burrows up to 30 feet deep and their teeth are sharp enough to bite through thick vegetation. Wombats are also known to be quite aggressive when threatened, and have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened.
Also → Baby Kangaroos Named Joeys
Advertisement8. The Nocturnal Wombat: A Fascinating Marsupial With a Slow Metabolism
The nocturnal wombat is a fascinating marsupial with a slow metabolism and a unique sleeping habit. During the day, they feed on sedges and grasses, and at night they curl up on their sides and end up on their backs with all four feet sticking in the air. This peculiar sleeping position is thought to be a way for them to cool down in the hot Australian climate.
Also → Snakes: Unique Egg-Layers & Ovoviviparous Species
9. Tiny Wombats Give Birth to Tiny Joeys
When wombats give birth, their young are called joeys and are incredibly tiny - weighing just one gram at birth! Despite their size, joeys are able to crawl into their mother's pouch and feed on her milk, where they will stay for the next six to nine months until they are ready to venture out into the world.
Also → Rabbits: Unique Creatures Easily Recognizable by Their Fur
10. Wombats use their cube-shaped droppings to mark their territory
Wombats are fascinating creatures that use their unique cube-shaped droppings, also known as 'scat', to mark their territory. These droppings are often found atop logs and rocks, allowing the wombat to communicate with other wombats and establish their presence in the area. This is an important behavior for wombats, as it helps them to protect their territory and ensure their survival.
