Wildlife - Footprints in the snow

WOMBAT

The wombat is a marsupial and  signs of them are frequently seen in the snow, particularly in wooded areas where there is a lighter snow cover and are only occasionally seen above the treeline. They are not often seen in the daytime. They dig through the snow to forage on grass. As they have very short legs they move through soft snow with difficulty, often leaving drag marks, but can travel quite quickly on firm snow. They often have to dig through snow to access their burrow.

Wombat track.	Wombat scat.

Kangaroo.

The kangaroo is not often seen during winter but is quite capable of movement through the snow. (Photo by Warren Feakes, near Nordic Shelter in June)  The other photo shows the imprint of both rear feet and each bound covered about 2 metres.

Kanagroo print

Echidnas may be encountered in the snow. Feral pigs (particularly in the northern area of KNP), dogs and cats  may be found and if seen should be reported to the NPWS as they have a culling program to reduce their numbers in the park. Pigs can be dangerous and skiers should keep their distance from them.

Birds seen in the winter and spring  include crows, ravens, magpies, currawongs, green and crimson rosellas, eagles, yellow tailed black cockatoos,  gang gang cockatoos and numerous robins and fantails.

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