SNOWY MOUNTAINS, Australia (CNN) -- A new study has shown that one of Australia's best-loved native animals could soon be on the endangered species list. Wombats -- burrowing creatures that look like small bears and are related to kangaroos -- are disappearing at an alarming rate, according to researchers at the University of Melbourne.

The most likely causes are predators, disease, drought and car accidents.

The number of wombats, kangaroos and other wild animals being killed on Australian roads is up this year, as a drought forces many to graze on lusher grass near roadsides.

Speed limits on Australian roads leading to the ski resorts have been reduced, but authorities say over-zealous skiers continue to ignore the speed restrictions.

Another threat to wombats are foxes. During winter they use the wombat's burrows for shelter from the snow, spreading potentially deadly mange. The disease, caused by parasitic mites that dig into the wombat's skin, can cause severe irritation.

Although there has been some success in treating mange, it is blamed for wiping out thousands of wombats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.