A routine stormwater inspection took an unusual turn for council workers this week after discovering the curious cause of a blocked pipe.
What looked to be a large blob obstructing a pipe in the southern NSW town of Bega, could have easily been mistaken for a monstrous fatberg, which are commonplace in sewer systems across the country.
But during the inspection, workers discovered the large blockage was actually a curious wombat which had somehow made its way into the pipe, likely mistaking the stormwater drain for an underground burrow.
The chubby fella was caught on camera curled up in a ball before revealing itself. He then chased the council camera back down the pipe.
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The wombat followed the camera back up the pipe to safety. Source: Bega Valley Shire Council.
The footage was shared online this week by Bega Valley Council, who said it was “just another day… until it wasn’t”.
“The obstruction turned out to be a very curious wombat, apparently opting for one of our stormwater drains over its own burrow,” the council said.
“Needless to say, the inspection was politely put on hold as our muddle-headed mate decided to chase the camera back up the pipe to see what all the fuss was about.
“Thanks to our Water and Sewer Maintenance Officer for capturing the moment…proof that no two days are ever quite the same out in the field.”
RELATED:
Aussie rescuers save wombat stuck in drain
Last year, a team of rescuers attending a flooded eight-metre-long drain in Nowra Hill on the NSW South Coast discovered a weakening wombat poking her head just above the water. Eventually, she was freed and was relatively unharmed.
In Australia, the majority of wildlife rescue work is done by volunteers, and providing veterinary medication, food, and housing for wild animals comes at a massive cost that can run into the thousands every month.
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