Wombats are cute, furry marsupials that many people wish they could have as pets. But is it actually legal to own a wombat? That’s a complicated question that depends on where you live and the specific laws in your state or country.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: In most places, it is illegal to own a wombat as a pet without special permits and licenses. Wombats are protected native wildlife in Australia, and it is highly regulated to own one even there.
In the United States, laws prohibit owning wombats in most states.
Basic Facts About Wombats
What Are Wombats?
Wombats are short-legged, muscular marsupial mammals that are native to Australia. They are about 1 to 1.2 meters in length and weigh between 20 to 35 kg. There are three extant species of wombats: the common wombat, the northern hairy-nosed wombat, and the southern hairy-nosed wombat.
With their stocky builds, wombats resemble small bears or groundhogs. They have small eyes and ears, and their coarse fur ranges in color from sandy brown to grayish black. Wombats are herbivores that feed on grasses, roots, bark, and fungi.
They live in underground burrows and are mostly nocturnal, coming out at night to forage for food.
Where Do Wombats Live in the Wild?
In the wild, wombats inhabit forested areas and grasslands across southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. The common wombat has the widest range across southeastern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
The northern hairy-nosed wombat occupies just a very small area of central Queensland, while the southern hairy-nosed wombat occurs mainly in coastal scrub and mallee heath in southern South Australia and southwestern Victoria (IUCN).
Why People Want Wombats as Pets
Some people find wombats’ bear-like appearance very cute and want to keep them as exotic pets. Wombats generally have a docile, gentle nature despite their size and bulk.
Hand-raised wombats can be affectionate pets. They enjoy human companionship and like being petted and scratched behind their ears. With proper care and housing, wombats can potentially live over 15 years in captivity.
However, while it may seem appealing to own a wombat, they generally don’t make good pets. Wombats have very specific dietary and housing needs that most people can’t adequately meet.
Wombat Ownership Laws in Different Countries
Australia
Wombats are native to Australia, where they are a protected species. It is generally illegal for private individuals to own a wombat as a pet in Australia. However, some states may allow wombat ownership with a special permit.
For example, in New South Wales, a special license is required to own a common wombat. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate facilities and ability to care for the wombat. Even with a license, it remains illegal to take wombats from the wild in NSW.
In Victoria, all wombats are protected wildlife and cannot be kept as pets without authorization. An individual must obtain a Wildlife Demonstration permit to legally possess a wombat.
Across Australia’s states and territories, most captive wombats are cared for by authorized wildlife parks, sanctuaries, or research facilities. Private pet ownership is strictly regulated due to wombats’ protected conservation status.
United States
In the United States, wombats are considered exotic animals. Laws on exotic pet ownership vary widely among different states. While some states prohibit it entirely, others simply require permits and licenses for exotic pets like wombats.
For example, California has strict exotic pet laws whereby private individuals cannot obtain permits to own exotic dangerous animals. Most other states also have restrictions on exotic pets. Only a handful of states, like Wisconsin, Alabama and South Carolina, broadly allow ownership of certain exotic animals like wombats.
Legal with Permit | Banned | |
---|---|---|
Number of States | 17 | 21 |
So while it is not outright illegal to own a wombat in parts of the US, permits can be difficult to obtain. Extensive regulations also apply around housing, enclosures, care requirements and more for captive exotic pets.
United Kingdom
In the UK, it is generally illegal for members of the public to keep protected wildlife like wombats as personal pets. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all native UK wildlife are protected from capture, injury, etc.
As wombats are non-native wildlife, they require licenses under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
To own a wombat legally would require obtaining a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) license from a local authority. The licensing process considers public safety issues, escape prevention in enclosures, sufficient liability insurance and more. DWA licenses are not handed out lightly.
As a result, while not outright illegal with proper licensing, wombat ownership for most average pet owners is impractical and uncommon in the UK.
Other Countries
Ownership laws for exotic pets like wombats vary widely among other countries. Often, no special restrictions exist in countries where wombats are non-native and rare as pets. For example, owning a pet wombat is legal without regulation in Japan, Argentina, Norway and Russia. 😊
In other places like New Zealand, South Africa and India, wombat ownership falls under exotic animal regulations which require permits and licenses. And in parts of the European Union, stricter wildlife trade laws have been implemented in recent years around captive animals.
Globally, the legal ability for average individuals to privately own pet wombats really depends on the native wildlife conservation policies and exotic animal ownership laws in that specific country or jurisdiction.
Permits and Regulations for Keeping Wombats
Types of Permits Needed
To legally own a wombat in most places, you’ll likely need to obtain several permits from federal, state, and local authorities. Key permits include:
- An exotic animal ownership license to possess a non-domesticated animal
- A captive wildlife permit to care for native wildlife in captivity
- A permit stipulating enclosure requirements and care protocols
- Annual renewal permits and inspections
Facility and Enclosure Requirements
Wombat enclosures typically must meet stringent specifications laid out by wildlife agencies. These often include:
- Minimum dimensions (e.g. 10 ft x 15 ft)
- Dig-proof barriers sunk deep beneath the ground
- Proper substrate, like dirt/grass to allow burrowing
- Enrichment structures (logs, branches, etc.)
- Adequate temperature control and airflow
- Lockable night house/shelter
Inspections may mandate repairs or expansions if the enclosure is deemed inadequate.
Restrictions and Inspections
Those licensed to own pet wombats are generally subject to restrictions like:
- Limits on removing the animal from its enclosure
- No direct contact without protective barriers
- Only the permit holder can care for the animal
- Requirements to keep detailed records of care, feeding, etc.
- Regular unannounced inspections (e.g. annually)
- Contingency protocols if the owner is no longer able to care for the animal
Additionally, it’s typically illegal to breed wombats in captivity without explicit authorization. And commercial use – exhibiting wombats to the public for profit – brings its own set of regulations.
While rules vary considerably globally, properly owning a wombat generally requires extensive permitting and facility investments. But for wildlife enthusiasts committed to providing excellent captive care, securing these requirements brings the joys and rewards of living with a wombat!
Challenges of Keeping Wombats as Pets
Dietary Needs
Wombats are herbivores that need a diet high in fiber, consisting mostly of grasses, roots, bark, and some vegetables. Providing the correct diet can be challenging for owners, as wombats have very specific dietary needs that must be met.
According to the Wombat Awareness Organization, wombats consume up to 500g of vegetation each day, which requires owners to source and prepare substantial quantities of food.
Veterinary Care
Finding veterinary care for pet wombats can be difficult. Since they are exotic animals, very few vets have specialized training or expertise in providing medical care for wombats. This is problematic because wombats have a higher need for veterinary care due to susceptibility to mange and issues associated with obesity.
Owners must thoroughly research available exotic pet veterinary resources in their area before deciding to purchase a wombat.
Handling and Temperament
Wombats typically have a placid temperament when raised in captivity, but they can be quite stubborn and dominant. Their size, burrowing nature, and strength make them a potential danger, especially for small children who attempt to handle them.
According to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, adult wombats can weigh 50-85lbs and have extremely sharp claws, putting owners at risk of injury if proper handling techniques are not learned and followed.
Providing Proper Environment
Wombat Needs | Care Requirements |
---|---|
Burrows and tunnels for shelter | Requires permanently fenced, shaded outdoor area with space to dig tunnels at least 6 feet long. |
Environmental temperatures no higher than 77 F | May require special temperature regulation systems for indoor and outdoor enclosures. |
At least 60 sq ft of living space per wombat | Secured rooms or outbuildings devoted entirely for wombat use. |
Most owners will struggle to fully replicate the natural environment that these animals need to thrive.
Alternatives to Keeping a Wombat
Visiting Zoos and Wildlife Parks
If you want to get up close and personal with wombats without the commitment of owning one, visiting zoos and wildlife parks is a great option. Many facilities around Australia have wombat enclosures where you can observe these cute marsupials in habitats designed to mimic their natural environment.
Seeing wombats at a zoo or wildlife park is also very educational. You’ll likely have opportunities to learn about their biology and behavior from informative signs, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes tours.
This can give you a better understanding of proper wombat care if you do decide to own one in the future.
Sponsoring/Adopting a Wombat
Another alternative to owning a pet wombat is sponsoring or adopting one at an animal sanctuary, rescue center, or zoo. This allows you to provide financial assistance for the care of a specific wombat without having to bring it home.
Many facilities offer adoption programs where you’ll receive updates and photos of “your” sponsored wombat. According to the Australian Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center, this helps fund food, medical treatment, and habitat conservation efforts for rescued and injured wombats.
Volunteering at a Wildlife Facility
Hands-on wombat lovers can also volunteer at wildlife hospitals, shelters, breeding facilities, and research centers. Volunteers assist with a variety of essential tasks like preparing food, cleaning enclosures, administering medications, and monitoring the animals.
Regular volunteers may even have opportunities for direct hands-on care and bonding with wombats. Just be prepared for some nips as wombats can be quite testy! Volunteering is very rewarding and a great way to get your wombat fix without owning one.
Conclusion
In summary, wombats may seem like appealing pets, but laws in most areas prohibit keeping them as private pets. There are good reasons for these laws, as wombats have very specific needs that are difficult for the average person to meet.
However, people who love wombats still have options like visiting zoos, sponsoring wombats, or volunteering with wildlife organizations. With some creativity, you can still enjoy interacting with these amazing animals.