Wombats are stout, muscular marsupials native to Australia, recognized for their short legs and thick fur. They inhabit forested, mountainous, and heathland regions across southeastern Australia, including Tasmania.
There are three extant wombat species:
- Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus): Also known as the bare-nosed wombat, this species is widespread in southeastern Australia.
- Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii): The largest species, distinguished by its broad nose and soft fur, it is critically endangered with populations confined to specific areas in Queensland.
- Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons): The smallest species, found in the southern regions of Australia.
Wombats are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and leaves. They are renowned for their burrowing abilities, using their strong claws and muscular forelimbs to create extensive underground tunnels.
In recent news, American influencer Samantha Strable, known as Sam Jones, faced significant backlash after posting a video where she removed a baby wombat from its mother in Australia. Jones claimed she acted out of concern for the animal’s safety but acknowledged that her actions caused distress and received criticism from Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.