Wombat Attack Are Wombats Dangerous?

Wombats are shy, docile animals, but they can be ferocious and very dangerous if cornered or provoked. Being strong, solidly built animals, with a top speed of over 40kph hour, they can charge at you and easily knock you over and leave you bruised and even cause fractured bones from the fall. Wombats also have sharp claws and teeth that can cause severe puncture wounds and lacerations. Wombat attacks, however, are extremely rare and usually the result of a human attempting the pet or feed the animal. Remember, wombats are wild animals, not pets. Appreciate them, but please leave them alone.

The Wombat's Deadly Butt (Bottom)

The wombat also has another ingenious way to protect itself from attack by using its its bum! Yes its posterior. The wombat has a round, sloping rump (bum) made up of four fused bony plates covered in cartilage, fat, thick skin, and fur that acts as an extremely tough and effective shield.

When attacked, the wombat points its tough well-padded rear at the attacker and uses it as a shield to protect itself. If possible, it will flee to the nearest burrow and block the entrance with its rump making it difficult for a predator to grab onto it. If a predator succeeds in gaining access into the burrow, the wombat will defend itself by smashing the attacker's head against the roof or wall of the burrow with its hard well-protected rump. Many a predator has met an untimely death in this way (see video).