Woombats, it has been hypothesized, come in three sexes. Although even an extremely careful examination can turn up no external or internal differences, woombats may be seen to triple off in the early part of the year. After spending three weeks in the brush, they return with from 9 to 12 puppies, each about 1/2" diameter -- known affectionately by breeders as "furballs".
Although woombats are generally devoted mates and parents, they are also quite flirtatious at times and become involved in troublesome polygons (quadrangles, pentagons, etc. -- "three is company, four is a crowd").
Woombats are unexcelled as pets, furs, and soups. Because they continue to grow throughout their lifetime, the maximum size attainable is astounding. The big "bull" woombats (4 feet in diameter) provide their owners with excellent protection, having the ability to severely crush an intruder by rolling over him repeatedly. In the native state (the Slambiezian Alps) it is these bulls who protect the herds from the dreaded short tailed wassels.
It is an unforgettable sight to see them rolling along the picturesque green valleys, faithfully and yet somewhat nervously rocking back and forth, rolling to and fro, while the rest of the herd satiate their spherical bodies with the succulent grasses and herbs that abound so plentifully, and then gracefully bouncing on ahead when the herd is ready to move on.
As pets, the young woombats are initially affectionate but may ultimately become overbearing and demanding if indulged.
