Wombats can run at speeds of 40 km/h, making them faster than most Olympic sprinters.

Wombats are short-legged, muscular marsupials native to Australia, and their speed is a specialized survival adaptation. While they appear slow and lumbering, research from institutions like the University of Tasmania has documented them reaching speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph). For comparison, the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 44.72 km/h during his 2009 world record run, meaning a wombat could keep pace with many professional athletes.This explosive speed is powered by their dense muscle mass and low center of gravity. Wombats typically sustain this pace for about 90 to 150 meters, which is usually enough distance to reach the safety of their complex underground tunnel systems. Their survival strategy relies on this quick burst to avoid predators like dingoes or Tasmanian devils.The most unique part of their defense is their backside, which is composed of thick skin, bone, and heavy cartilage. When a wombat retreats into its burrow, it uses its rear as a biological shield to block the tunnel. This area lacks a significant tail, making it difficult for a predator to grab or bite. In some cases, wombats have been known to crush the skulls of intruders against the roof of the burrow using their powerful hind legs and reinforced rumps.