Koala found snuggling with a teddy bear

When wildlife rangers in Queensland, Australia, came across a koala snuggling with a teddy bear they knew they had to snap a picture.

Koalas are typically loners and don't usually engage in physical contact with other animals, let alone humans. But this little guy was clearly feeling extra cuddly.

In the photo, the koala can be seen hugging the teddy bear tightly while its eyes close in bliss.

Wildlife experts say there could be any number of reasons why this koala chose to bond with the teddy bear. It's possible that the animal was displaced from its home or was feeling scared or lonely.

Whatever the reason, we're just happy to see this koala getting some love!

Koala caught sleeping in a tree

Residents of a small town in Australia were shocked when they saw a koala snoozing away in a tree. The sleepy marsupial was caught on camera by local resident, Nathan Adams, who was out for an early morning walk.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the koala up in the tree. It was so cute," said Adams. "I think he was just taking a nap after a big night out."

It's not uncommon to see koalas resting in trees, but it is unusual to see one sleeping so high up off the ground.

"Koalas like to sleep in nice, shady trees where it's cool and comfortable," said wildlife expert, Johanne Dwyer. "They can get quite comfortable up high, especially if there's a good breeze blowing through the leaves."

Dwyer said that the koala is likely to have been searching for food or water when he found the perfect spot for a nap.

"Koalas are usually quite active during the day, but they can also be quite lazy at times," she said. "This guy looks like he's really enjoying his sleep."

Koala rescued from wildfire

A young koala has been rescued from a ferocious wildfire in Australia by firefighters. The animal was found cowering in the burnt-out remains of its home, and is now being cared for at a wildlife sanctuary.

The koala, which has been named Harry, is said to be in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. He will be released back into the wild once he has regained his strength.

This is not the first time that firefighters have come to the aid of koalas caught up in a wildfire. In 2009, firefighters in Victoria helped rescue over 100 koalas from a blaze that had engulfed their habitat.

Koalas are often affected by wildfires because they live in close proximity to forests and bushland. Their thick fur provides some protection from the heat, but they can often become trapped or disoriented by the flames.

Many people were moved by the sight of Harry being carried to safety by the firefighter. One passer-by, who had lost her own home in the fire, said: "It made me so happy to see that firefighter carrying that little koala. It was like they were giving us all hope."

Koala population on the decline

The koala population is on the decline, with experts warning that the furry creatures could soon become extinct.

There are many reasons for the population decline, including loss of habitat, car accidents, and attacks by domestic animals.

One of the main threats to the koala population is loss of habitat. The animals rely on eucalyptus trees for food and shelter, but these trees are being cleared at an alarming rate to make way for development.

Another major threat to koalas is the increasing number of cars on our roads. Koalas are often hit by cars as they cross streets and highways in search of food and shelter.

Finally, koalas are also at risk from attacks by domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. These animals can kill or injure koalas if they are not properly supervised.

Koalas declared a vulnerable species

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has declared the koala a vulnerable species, with fewer than 43,000 remaining in the wild. The AKF's classification of "vulnerable" is just one step away from "endangered," and the group is calling on the government to provide more protection for the animals.

Koalas have been declining in population for decades due to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, vehicle collisions, attacks by dogs, and chlamydia. In some areas of Australia, koalas are now extinct.

The AKF is asking the government to create new protected areas for koalas, increase funding for research on koala diseases, and improve public education about how to protect the animals. The group would also like to see stricter penalties for people who harm or kill koalas.

The Australian government has yet to respond to the AKF's declaration. However, Environment Minister Melissa Price has previously said that the government is committed to protecting the country's native wildlife.