Though sometimes called a koala bear, the koala is not a bear. The koala is actually a type of tree-dwelling marsupial, with a backwards-facing pouch, like wombats.
Koalas are endemic to Australia, where they can only be found in the southeast and eastern parts of the country, along the coastlines of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. They live in forests and open woodlands, typically dominated by eucalyptus tree species.
Most of the Koala's time is spent in eucalypt trees sleeping and feeding, although occasionally it travels along the ground like its closest relatives, the wombats. The Koala is solitary and the larger males have scent glands on their chest. Breeding occurs during summer and usually one baby, or joey, is produced each year.
People: Australian Family Finds Koala in Christmas Tree — and Rescue Hotline Thought It Was a 'Prank Call'
The rescue team said the koala was "desperate to get in the Christmas spirit" and "wanted to be the fairy on the Christmas tree" Benjamin VanHoose is the Senior News Editor on the TV team at PEOPLE.
Australian Family Finds Koala in Christmas Tree — and Rescue Hotline Thought It Was a 'Prank Call'
CBS News: Koala wanders into Australian family's home and climbs their Christmas tree
AOL: A Young Koala Has an Epic Meltdown After Being Kicked Out of a Tree
A Young Koala Has an Epic Meltdown After Being Kicked Out of a Tree
Yahoo: Koala Is 'A Precious Baby in Perfect Peace' Snoozing in a Tree
Koala Is 'A Precious Baby in Perfect Peace' Snoozing in a Tree