Smarter Safer Team
Gippsland Pest Management Is always looking for new ways to improve our working environment and the safety of our team. With this in mind we have made the choice to implement Apple Smart watches as...
WHAT TO DO IF A WOMBAT IS FOUND ON YOUR PROPERTY
Below are a few tips and advice if you do happen to spot a wombat on your property
If you see a wombat walking around during the day, its best to call Wildlife Victoria straight away on 03 8400 7300, even if the wombat looks healthy and uninjured. Wombats usually only walk around during the day if something is wrong.
Wombats are not usually aggressive animals, if you keep your distance. If they feel threatened or feel like they are being cornered, they will charge at you so please keep your distance. If you have children or pets onsite, make sure they are kept away from the wombat and their burrow for safety.
If you have fencing around your property, it can sometime become damaged as wombats will either push through or dig underneath it. If you are having issues, a heavy flap, much like a cat flap, can be installed in the fence along the wombat’s trail. This will stop the wombat from doing more damage and as it is a heavy piece of material, the wombat will have no issues pushing through it but other animals won’t be able to.
Wombats are very clean animals and like to keep their burrow and surrounding area clean. If you are wanting to deter the wombat from staying on your property, all you need to do is make the entrance to their burrow and the surrounding area dirty. You can do this by putting down strong-smelling objects, such as blood-and-bone fertiliser or dog faeces in and around the burrow. Also the plant, Society Garlic, can also work as a deterrent.
MANGE IN WOMBATS
Unfortunately, mange in wombats is very common in Australia but the good news is, it can be treated. If you see a wombat walking around with scabs or hair loss, it is a possibility that this wombat has mange. Dog attacks and bites do look similar so if you are unsure, please call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.
Mange can spread between animals, such as dogs, so please always keep your pets away from wombats!
There is also a volunteer group call Mange Management Group who are committed to treating the wombats in the wild. This is achieved by installing a device at the entrance to the burrow that tips medication onto the wombat when it enters after a night out. You can report an infected wombat and their location at www.mangemanagement.org.au/new-map
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WOMBATS
- In the wild, a wombats general life expectancy is 5 years, but some wombats have been known to live up to 30 years in captivity.
- A wombat can dig up to 30 metres below the ground for their burrow.
- Female wombats have a backwards facing pouch, so when they are hard at work digging their burrow, their baby will be able to feed in peace and not get showered in dirt.
- Wombats are fast little devils. They can run up to 40km per hour!
- Koala’s are the Wombats closest living relative
Other great resources on wombats:
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