The cute and popular koala bear is known by many for its teddy bear-looking physical features. However, this mammal is not a bear it is a marsupial, a pouched animal. These marsupials live in eastern Australia in the eucalyptus forests. Koalas have sharp claws to help them climb trees, which is where they spend most of their time. Koalas rarely leave their beloved eucalyptus trees, and often doze off tucked high up in the trees. Koalas sleep for about 18 hours a day. Koalas eat about 2 ½ lbs of eucalyptus leaves a day. Koalas do not drink that much, they get most of the moisture from the eucalyptus leaves. Since the koala eats eucalyptus leaves, the koala is an herbivore.
Fast Facts
1. Herbivore
2. Range: Eastern Australia
3. Habitat: Eucalyptus forests
National Geographic Animal Facts
