Owning exotic animals like wombats might sound fascinating, but is it realistic? Many animal lovers find themselves drawn to the idea of having a unique, native Australian animal as a pet. Wombats, with their adorable, bear-like appearance, can be especially tempting.
However, before diving into this decision, there are important challenges to consider. Wombats have specific needs, both in terms of diet and habitat. They are also nocturnal, which means their schedule doesn’t always align with ours. One fact you should know—wombats can be aggressive if not handled correctly, making them a risky choice for households with children.
In this guide, we’ll break down the realities of wombat ownership and whether it’s even legal. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether a wombat could ever make a good pet for you.
What Is A Wombat?
Firstly, let’s talk about what a Wombat actually is. When most people think about or imagine a Wombat, they tend to picture a common Wombat, which is also known as a Vombatus Ursinus.
This species of Wombat can usually be found in the coastal areas of Victoria and New South Wales, but they can also be found living throughout the islands of Tasmania as well.
The common Wombat isn’t the only Wombat species though, as there is also the southern hairy-nosed Wombat (Also known as the Lasiorhinus latifrons) which can be seen around the southern coastal areas of Australia, and the northern hairy-nosed Wombat (Also known as the Lasiorhinus krefftii), which can only be found in an extremely small section of Queensland.
If you think a pet wombat would make a good companion for you, it’s probably better to learn more about them from a responsible organization before you decide to get one for yourself.
Wombats (Check out Is A Wombat An Omnivore?) are a type of marsupial (which is a term used to group pouch-wearing mammals) and they have backward pouches.
In terms of their homes, wombats are incredibly similar to their natural habitat when in captivity. rabbits and hares, as they will usually burrow their way into the ground, making it difficult to keep a wombat as a pet. As native animals, a wombat’s food generally tends to consist of grass and other forbs, making them unsuitable to a home environment.
In the wild, Wombats will usually tend to live for about 15 years, but this can double to 30 years if they’re kept in captivity.
In terms of their size, they usually will weigh anywhere in the range of 40 to 70 pounds, and they’re well known for their stubby legs and plump bodies, but they also have some rather sharp claws on their legs as well as some sharp incisors too!
Can I Own A Wombat As A Pet?
So, now that you know a little more about these adorable little creatures, you might be wondering whether or not you can own one as a pet, and if they’d make a good pet.
Unfortunately, despite how cute they are, no, Wombats absolutely do not make good pets.
Currently, having a pet wombat is completely illegal in Australia, and exporting them out of Australia is highly illegal as well, so keeping a wombat anywhere would be against the law.
Aside from the legality that it’s illegal to keep wombats as pets, there are also a few other reasons why a wombat may make for a horrible pet.
They’re Wild Animals
Above anything else, Wombats are wild animals, so even if they appear friendly, and act that way at first, it’s completely natural for a Wombat to become aggressive after a period of time, especially around humans.
In context to having a pet wombat, Wombats aren’t fond of cuddles which would probably be number one on the to-do list when it comes to owning one.
They’re Destructive
Because Wombats burrow to build their homes in the wild, owning one and keeping it in your house won’t prevent them from wanting to dig and burrow, in fact, they’re known to be a massive pain for farmers due to the tunnel systems they are able to create under the ground.
Wombats, if kept as pets, are also extremely strong diggers, and nothing except for steel and concrete is going to stop them from doing so, turning your house into a habitat that doesn’t suit their need. Seeing your house destroyed would soon become a reality!
They Can Hurt!
Being a wild animal, it also means that Wombats are unpredictable, and when you consider the sharpness of their teeth and claws, then the last thing you’d want is to be bitten or scratched by one of these cute creatures.
They’ve also been known to knock people over if they charge, combined with their defensive nature, it’s definitely best to leave handling these creatures to trained wildlife professionals.
Wombats Produce Excessive Droppings
Wombats are known for producing cube-shaped droppings, and they defecate up to 100 cubes each night. This presents a major challenge in a domestic setting, as they use their droppings to mark their territory.
As a result, they would likely leave droppings throughout your home, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness. This natural behavior requires constant cleaning, creating a significant burden for pet owners.
The sheer volume of waste and the effort needed to manage it make wombats impractical as pets for anyone who isn’t ready for such a high level of maintenance.
Some Are Endangered
Regardless of whether or not they’d make a suitable pet, Australian law dictates that Wombats are protected by law, and the northern hairy-nosed Wombat is, unfortunately, suffering from a low population, which means it’s classified as extremely endangered.
The southern hairy-nosed Wombat is near threatened and isn’t too far from being considered endangered.
This has happened due to the increase in wild dogs, being hunted for their meat, as well as being at threat from farmers too.
How To Meet A Wombat
So, if you’re sad you can’t keep a wombat, but would still like to meet one, you can always see if your local zoo or animal sanctuary has any that you’ll be able to visit.
This means you’ll be able to see a whole bunch of wombats all in a safe setting, with no worries about the Wombats harming you or your house and belongings, which is best for both you and the Wombats!
Summary
The question of whether wombats can be kept as pets intertwines various considerations. While wombats possess endearing qualities and might seem appealing as companions, their innate behaviors, such as being nocturnal and territorial, pose challenges for domestication.
It’s crucial to prioritize their well-being in their natural habitat rather than as household pets. Although wombats may not be suitable pets, supporting their conservation and protection is pivotal for safeguarding these unique and valuable species.
No, it is illegal to own a wombat as a pet in Australia and many other countries. Wombats are protected species, and keeping them without the proper licensing is against the law. Violations can result in fines or other legal consequences, ensuring their conservation in the wild.
What Challenges Do Wombats Pose as Pets?
Wombats possess strong digging abilities and can cause significant damage to property, such as tearing through fences and walls. Their sharp claws and teeth can also pose a risk of injury to owners. These natural behaviors make them difficult to manage in a domestic environment.
Is It Possible to Keep a Wombat Temporarily?
Only licensed wildlife handlers or rehabilitation centers can temporarily keep wombats, typically when they are orphaned or injured. These facilities aim to provide proper care until the animals are ready for release back into the wild, ensuring minimal human interference with their natural behavior.
How Do Wombats Behave in Captivity?
Wombats remain wild animals even in captivity, often attempting to escape. They need specialized care and an environment that replicates their natural habitat, which is difficult to maintain in a home. Their wild instincts make it challenging to meet their physical and behavioral needs in captivity.
Hi, I’m Olivia Kepner and I am a zookeeper here in San Diego. Since I was a young girl I have always been fascinated by animals and species across the globe.
I used to beg my parents to take me to our local zoo every single weekend. Well, I say local – it was more like a two hour drive away. But they took me as much as they could, allowing me to fall in love with the animals again and again.
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