Facts About Koalas
Published September 19, 2026 · FactsSeeker
Koalas are tree-dwelling Australian marsupials, with a diet and life cycle unlike those of bears.
Koalas are not bears
They are marsupials. Their young continue early development in a pouch after birth. [1]
Young koalas are called joeys
A tiny newborn climbs into the mother’s pouch, where it nurses and develops before emerging. [1]
Eucalyptus leaves are their main food
Koalas select suitable leaves rather than eating every plant around them. Their diet requires specialized digestion. [1]
Rest occupies much of their day
A low-energy leaf diet helps explain their long periods of resting. An inactive koala is not necessarily an unhealthy one. [1]
Gripping limbs support climbing
Strong claws and grasping digits help a koala hold branches and climb trunks. [1]
Scent is part of communication
Male koalas have a chest scent gland. Marking trees leaves information for other koalas. [1]
Australia is their native home
Koalas naturally inhabit eastern and southeastern Australia. Eucalypt forests supply their shelter and much of their food. [1]
They choose resting spots by temperature
On hot days, koalas may press against cool trunks. Cooler weather can draw them toward more sun-exposed branches. [1]
They travel between trees on the ground
Koalas do not spend every moment above ground. They descend when moving between trees or entering another area. [1]
Grooming uses joined toes
Two hind toes are fused together but retain claws. Koalas use this arrangement to comb their fur. [1]
Newborns cannot yet see or hear
A newborn joey is extremely undeveloped. It crawls into the pouch and continues growing while nursing. [1]
Their fur feels surprisingly coarse
A koala’s coat is not as soft as its appearance suggests. It has a texture compared with coarse wool. [1]
Sources & further reading
Explore the linked source for more detail and the context behind these facts.
Sources checked 2026-09-16. Our approach to facts · Suggest a correction