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Although this creature is often called a Koala "bear" it is not a bear. It is a marsupial, like kangaroos
and opossums, raising its young in a pouch on its body until the youngster is ready to venture out into the world. The Koala
is a plant eater, and almost all of its diet is made up of the leaves of eucalyptus trees. These leaves happen to be poisonous,
but the Koala has special substances in its stomach that neutralize the toxins. The Koala is slow-moving and sleepy, rarely
wasting energy with bursts of activity.
Look For: A small, thickly furry bearlike creature with a black
nose. The ears are set far back on the head and have a fringe of fluffy fur. The coat ranges from gray to brown, and is white
on the throat and chest. The hands and feet are large and clawed.
Length: Body up to 29" long; no tail; 11-24 lb. Habitat: Lowland
eucalyptus forests Range: Australia; native to eastern regions, introduced
in western areas
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