Numbat Fun for Kids

The Numbat is a small, striped marsupial that looks like a mix of a fox and an anteater. It has a long sticky tongue to eat ants and termites. This bright little animal is found only in Australia and loves to scamper during the day. Learn fun facts about the Numbat’s stripes, diet, sounds, and why it’s so special!

Watch a Numbat in Action!

See how a numbat uses its tongue to catch ants and how it moves through the forest happily with its stripes shining.

What Is a Numbat?

The numbat is a unique, striped marsupial from Australia that is active during the day.

• Small and slender, with a long fluffy tail.
• Has a pointy nose and sticky tongue to eat tiny insects.
• Beautiful reddish-brown fur with white stripes across its back.

Where Do Numbats Live?

Numbats live in parts of southern and western Australia in forests and woodlands.

• Found in eucalyptus forests and grassy woodlands.
• Built homes in hollow logs or fallen trees.
• They need special places with lots of ants to eat.

What Do Numbats Eat?

Numbats eat mostly ants and termites, using their sticky tongue to catch them.

• They lap up to 20,000 ants every day!
• Use their long tongue to reach into logs and under bark.
• Sometimes eat small bugs or larvae too.

How Big Is a Numbat?

Numbats are about the size of a small cat or a loaf of bread.

• Body length is 20–30 cm (about 8–12 inches), about the length of a ruler.
• Tail adds another 15–20 cm (6–8 inches), like a small toy snake.
• Weighs 350–700 g (about as heavy as a large apple or a small loaf of bread).

What Sound Do Numbats Make?

Numbats make soft chattering or clicking noises when they talk to each other or feel scared.

Cool Numbat Facts

Check out these fun facts about the numbat that are sure to make you smile!

• It’s the only anteater-like marsupial in Australia.
• It uses its stripes to hide in the forest from birds of prey.
• Mothers carry their babies in a temporary pouch on their back.
• Can flick its tail like a lizard to warn danger.
• It can live up to 5 years in the wild.
• Each numbat has its own set of stripes—no two are the same!

Printables and Coloring Fun

Have fun coloring and playing with this cute numbat activity!

• Download Numbat Coloring Page (PDF)

Numbats in the Eco-System

Numbats help keep forests clean by eating lots of ants and termites. They are very rare and need help to survive.

• They eat pests that can harm trees and plants.
• Population is around 1,000 adults in the wild.
• They are endangered because of habitat loss and predators like foxes.

Ask a Grown‑Up to Help You Learn More

These websites have more great facts about numbats:

• Australian Wildlife Conservancy – Numbat
• WWF Australia – Numbat species profile
• Britannica – Numbat | Endangered, Eucalyptus, Australia

Fun Questions About Numbats

Ways to Donate and Support Numbats

You can help protect numbats by supporting groups that save their forests and keep predators away.

Donate or get involved with Australian Wildlife Conservancy to help numbats