nick
April 6th, 2010, 02:49 PM
A wombat attacked a man in the state of Victoria, Australia, injuring him so badly that he had to be sent to hospital.
Bruce Kringle, 60, was stepping out of his caravan in the rural town of Flowerdale, when he felt something attack his leg.
In an assault that lasted 20 minutes, the wombat brought him to the ground before climbing onto Mr Kringle's chest to continue the attack.
Luckily, Mr Kringle was able to reach for a nearby axe and kill the animal.
Mr Kringle, who survived the Black Saturday bush fires in 2009 and is in the process of rebuilding his home, was treated at the scene by paramedics and transferred to hospital where last night he was in a stable condition.
Paramedics said he had suffered puncture wounds to his arms and legs.
Wombat experts have described the attack as "highly unusual".
On the list of Australia's most dangerous animals, the wombat does not feature highly.
The furry marsupials, which resemble badgers, are known for their cute and cuddly looks, and are considered one of the more docile native creatures in the country.
Full story here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/australiaandpacific/australia/7558903/Man-in-hospital-after-wombat-attack.html)
Bruce Kringle, 60, was stepping out of his caravan in the rural town of Flowerdale, when he felt something attack his leg.
In an assault that lasted 20 minutes, the wombat brought him to the ground before climbing onto Mr Kringle's chest to continue the attack.
Luckily, Mr Kringle was able to reach for a nearby axe and kill the animal.
Mr Kringle, who survived the Black Saturday bush fires in 2009 and is in the process of rebuilding his home, was treated at the scene by paramedics and transferred to hospital where last night he was in a stable condition.
Paramedics said he had suffered puncture wounds to his arms and legs.
Wombat experts have described the attack as "highly unusual".
On the list of Australia's most dangerous animals, the wombat does not feature highly.
The furry marsupials, which resemble badgers, are known for their cute and cuddly looks, and are considered one of the more docile native creatures in the country.
Full story here (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/australiaandpacific/australia/7558903/Man-in-hospital-after-wombat-attack.html)