Koala Facts

Interesting koala facts to learn and share with your friends and family.  Find out why the koala bear is not actually a bear, and many other things with the courtesy of Kidspress Magazine.

• Koalas are not bears. They are not placental mammals, but marsupials (they can carry their young in a pouch).

• Koalas live in the tall eucalyptus forests and low eucalyptus woodlands.

• The average lifespan of a koala in the wild is between 10 to 14 years.
  

  Koalas are protected by law but their homes and food aren’t.

• Koalas eat primarily eucalyptus leaves.

• Koalas are mostly nocturnal. They often sleep for up to 18-20 hours each day.

• Male koalas rub their chest scent glands on the tree, to mark their territory.

• Koalas have strong limbs and long, sharp claws that help them climb tree trucks.

• Like humans, koalas have fingerprints.

• Koalas can run as fast as a rabbit.

• Koala young are known as “joeys”.

• Younger breeding females usually give birth to one joey each year.

• The joey stays in its mother’s pouch for about 6 or 7 months, drinking only milk.

Check out some interesting facts about squirrels!