A wombat's bite is powerful enough to crush thick roots and break human bones.

The common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is a master of mechanical efficiency. Research into marsupial bite forces shows that wombats possess a highly specialized skull structure designed for high-stress mastication. Their short, robust mandibles and massive masseter muscles allow them to generate a bite force exceeding 1,000 Newtons, which is significantly higher than many animals of similar size.This evolutionary trait is primarily an adaptation for their diet. Wombats consume tough, fibrous native grasses, sedges, and even the bark and roots of trees. Their teeth are open-rooted, meaning they grow continuously throughout their lives to compensate for the extreme wear and tear caused by grinding such abrasive materials.Beyond feeding, this power serves as a formidable defense mechanism. When threatened, a wombat can inflict severe puncture wounds or even crush bone. In 2010, a well-documented case in Australia involved a wombat attacking a man, resulting in deep lacerations and injuries that required hospitalization. This incident highlighted the unexpected danger these 25 to 35 kilogram marsupials pose when they feel cornered.Biomechanical studies often compare the wombat's skull to that of a beaver or a pig. However, the wombat's unique 'butt-plate'—a patch of skin, cartilage, and bone on their rear—is their primary defense. If a predator follows them into a burrow, the wombat uses its powerful legs to crush the intruder's skull against the roof of the tunnel, utilizing the same muscular efficiency found in its jaw.