Wombats abroad and when travelling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are wombats?

• Wombats are marsupials. Not just any marsupials, but animals with special characteristics that you don't often see in other animals. In terms of genes, they are most similar to koalas. They also have, like koalas, inverted pouches so that no soil gets into their pouch when they are digging.
• Wombats, you can find them rocking on a stage in Liverpool, or digging in the ground on the other side of the world.
• They can weigh up to 20 kg and grow to 85 cm.
• The babies (joeys) live in the pouch for 6 months, but must stay with their mother for 18 months.
• A few more special facts:
  • You could easily confuse wombats' poop with a Minecraft block - square!
  • When they feel threatened, they run to their burrow and block the entrance with their large behinds. They can run as fast as humans - up to 40 km/h.

Where to see wombats in the wild abroad?

• Wombats are mainly found in Tasmania and the south coast of Australia.
• Some well-known places to see wombats are:
  • Cradle Mountain in Tasmania
  • Maria Island in Tasmania
  • The south coast of NSW - such as Bournda National Park and Kangaroo Valley.
  • Namadgi National Park in Canberra
  • Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria
  • Or one of the “open range wildlife parks”

Are wombats dangerous?

• Wombats are not dangerous to your life in principle, but they can attack if you do not treat them respectfully.
• They can display aggressive behaviour, especially if they feel threatened, have a young one, are stressed or have mange.
• For example, they can attack with considerable force or use their sharp incisors and powerful claws. This can cause painful injuries.

What to do if you encounter a wombat in the wild?

• Keep your distance from the animal and avoid interaction. Just watch from a distance, that will make both of you happiest.
• If you see a baby wombat, leave it alone. The mother will return after a while.
• It is illegal to touch wombats without a permit! They are a protected species.
• If the wombat is injured, contact a local animal welfare organization. Often you will have to remove the wombat from a danger zone, such as the road, yourself, but do so carefully.

What to do when a wombat attacks you?

• If a wombat comes running towards you, walk away calmly, without turning around, and leave the wombat alone. Make sure you are safe and the wombat is too.
• Try to find a place where you cannot be attacked further. For example in a car or building. 

What to do in case of a bite or scratch by a wombat?

• Wombats have sharp teeth and claws and can cause serious wounds with them. The biggest risk is that the wound will become infected.
• Wash the wound with soap and water.
• Disinfect the wound and seek medical help.
• Watch for signs of infection.

Which diseases can humans get from a wombat?

• Wombats suffer greatly from scabies. When you touch a wombat, you as a human also run the risk of getting scabies. Unfortunately, many wombats suffer from these mites that bury themselves in the skin.
• Another danger is a bacterial infection after a bite or scratch.

Can you volunteer or intern with wombats?

• There are certainly opportunities to do volunteer work or an internship with wombats.
• There are many organisations in Australia that work with wombats and other wildlife. Just Google “wombats” and “volunteering” and you’ll have a laundry list to choose from.

What should you do if you are going to work with wombats during your volunteer work, internship or study.

• Always think about what’s best for the animal. Many wildlife organizations opt for a hands-off policy. With koalas, you may have to hold them to feed them and help with medical care.
• It’s useful to read up on how wombats live, what they eat and what health problems they can have.
• Always make sure you get good guidance and training in advance.

Where is the best place to work with wombats?

• Australia is by far the best place! If you find one outside of Australia you’ll probably have a lot of work to do…