Australia
Wombat
G'day! The wombat is a stocky, round marsupial that spends much of its life digging enormous tunnel systems under the forests of southeastern Australia and Tasmania.
Why is it special?
It's one of the biggest burrowing animals in the world, digging tunnels that can stretch over 100 feet long.
Its tough, cartilage-covered rear end works like a shield, blocking predators that try to follow it into its burrow.
How does it live?
Wombats use their strong claws and rodent-like front teeth to dig deep, cozy burrows where they sleep during the day.
They come out at night to munch on grasses, roots, and bark, and can trot along at a surprising speed when they need to.
Amazing facts
Wombat poop comes out in cube shapes — one of the only animals in the world known to do this!
A baby wombat rides in its mother's pouch, which faces backward so it doesn't fill with dirt while she digs.
Quick facts
- Wombat poop comes out in cube shapes — one of the only animals in the world known to do this!
- A baby wombat rides in its mother's pouch, which faces backward so it doesn't fill with dirt while she digs.
- Wombats can run in short bursts up to 25 miles per hour, surprisingly fast for such a chunky animal.
- Some wombats can live over 20 years, and even longer in wildlife parks.