What maximum speed can a wombat reach during short bursts of activity?
Answer
Up to 40 km/h
Although wombats appear clumsy when moving above ground, their powerful, short legs, combined with strong musculature built for digging, allow them to achieve surprising bursts of speed when necessary. This burst capability is an important component of their defense, enabling them to rapidly retreat into their established burrow systems when startled or pursued by predators. Reaching speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour demonstrates a level of athleticism well beyond their typical grazing pace.
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