Police are investigating the vicious killing of a wombat south of Canberra, described by a senior ranger as one of the worst incidents he's dealt with in 30 years on the job.
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ACT Parks and Conservation manager Brett McNamara has made a public appeal for information after rangers found the female wombat at Tharwa Sandwash, a popular swimming spot on the Murrumbidgee River, on Friday morning.
Mr McNamara said an autopsy revealed the wombat had been stabbed 13 times, and had suffered no other injuries.
He believed the animal had been attacked either late on Thursday night or in the early hours of Friday morning.
"The last thing we want to come across as an organisation is something like this," Mr McNamara said.
"I've been with Parks for 30 years now and I've never seen anything quite like this. It's certainly of concern and it's very distressing for our staff.
"It's just not acceptable behaviour in a modern, progressive society."
Police attended the scene on Friday, and an ACT Policing spokesperson said an investigation was ongoing.
Mr McNamara appealed for anyone who could help with the investigation to come forward.
"If anyone out there sees or hears anything about this, please do contact Crime Stoppers and let us know," he said.
Police said anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
Information can also be provided anonymously, quoting reference number 6267089.
