Wombats

Wombat image.jpg

The bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is a cherished native species in New South Wales. These gentle, burrowing marsupials thrive in temperate forested areas, particularly along creek slopes and gullies where they create their intricate underground homes. Wombats are independent yet adaptable, with overlapping home ranges spanning 5 to 25 hectares. Their burrows, which can extend up to 30 metres long and several metres deep, provide a safe haven from extreme temperatures and potential threats. 

Once widespread across south-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, wombat populations now face challenges due to habitat changes, land clearing, road crossings, and other human-related dangers.  

Recognising Active Burrows

Active wombat burrows are easy to identify by fresh cube-shaped droppings, scratch marks, and recently dug soil near the entrance. While mostly solitary, wombats may occasionally share burrows within their range.  

Burrow activity can be confirmed by placing sticks across each entrance and checking (every day for at least a week) if these are disturbed. 

Wombats also mark their feeding areas with scent trails and droppings to communicate with other wombats. 

Understanding Wombat Behaviour

Wombats are resourceful creatures that sometimes interact with human spaces, occasionally affecting fences or gardens. However, simple and innovative solutions can help with interactions with wombats: 

  • Fence modifications: Wombats follow well-established trails and prefer moving through rather than around obstacles. Installing ‘wombat swing gates’ at crossing points or raising the lowest fence wire (15 cm above ground) enables their movement under fence lines without causing damage. 
  • Protecting livestock: Marking burrows with posts or small fences can help prevent livestock from stumbling into them, ensuring safety for both animals.

Encouraging Wombats to Relocate from Buildings

Wombats sometimes seek shelter under houses and sheds for warmth. To guide them to more suitable areas: 

  • Use a one-way exit flap: a simple wire mesh flap allows the wombat to leave safely without re-entering. 
  • Once the burrow has been confirmed to be inactive, install strong wooden boards reinforced with weld mesh or rabbit wire over the burrow.
  • In areas where you have noticed wombat activity around your house, lay mesh along the ground, either burying it at least 60–90 cm or extending it outward as a ‘skirt’ to discourage digging.
  • Other deterrents: Wombats are naturally clean animals and sensitive to strong smells. Placing organic fertilisers such as blood-and-bone, dog urine, or chicken manure near burrow entrances can encourage them to find a new home. However, as wombats are highly determined, deterrents should be paired with exclusion strategies for best results.

Increasing Available Habitat

Restoring and conserving natural vegetation provides wombats with safer, alternative burrowing sites: 

  • Planting native trees and retaining vegetation away from creeks reduces wombat burrowing in sensitive areas and helps prevent erosion. 
  • Leaving logs, rocks, and undergrowth intact encourages wombats to settle in less disruptive locations. 

Join a private land conservation program like Land for Wildlife or Habitat for Wildlife to learn more about revegetation and ways to conserve wildlife on your property. You can also support local Bushland Reserves by joining Council’s Bushcare program. 

What to do if you see a Sick or Injured Wombat?

If you come across sick or injured wombats, please contact a wildlife care organisation. 

More information can be found on Council’s Wildlife Care page. 

 

Wombats are legally protected under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is illegal to harm, trap, or relocate a wombat without a permit. See the NSW Government’s website for more information about wombats.

 

Further Information

Environment and Sustainability Team

Telephone: 02 4868 0888

Email: mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au

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