

Researchers think the koalas’ newfound thirst is because the leaves that used to keep them hydrated are drying out as Gunnedah gets hotter and drier. They can eat up to two and a half pounds of leaves per day. The animals can sleep up to 18 hours a day in trees, and their primary diet consists of eucalyptus leaves, which they often eat at night. Koalas are leaving their trees even when they would normally be asleep, according to university researchers. The koalas of Gunnedah, a town in southeastern Australia often referred to as the “Koala Capital of the World,” were drinking from the stations for more than 10 minutes on average, according to a press release from the university. Koalas, which normally spend most of their time in the safety of eucalyptus trees, have begun to climb down and drink from artificial water stations provided by University of Sydney researchers. Providing the koala with a safe and warm place to stay until help arrives is maybe the best thing you can do for them.Australian koalas are drinking much more water than they used to-and it’s likely because of hot, dry weather aggravated by climate change. Ultimately, if you ever come across a wet koala just remember to stay calm, stay back, and contact a qualified wildlife rescuer for assistance. Keep an eye out for organizations that specialize in conservation efforts and you can do your part to protect this endangered species. The best thing we can do to protect koalas long-term is to conserve their natural habitats. Wild koalas are made to withstand some of nature’s most extreme temperatures so if the wet fur was caused simply by rain or flooded habitats, they may be alright. In some cases, a wet koala might not even need assistance. Remember, the most important thing to do is not to touch or handle the koala yourself. To help in the meantime, you can cover the koala with a towel or blanket, place a shallow bowl of water nearby, offer them some eucalyptus leaves if you have them, and provide them a quiet, warm environment until help arrives. They will have the knowledge and necessary equipment to capture and transport the koala to a vet or wildlife sanctuary. Calling a qualified wildlife rescuer is the best course of action. Give the koala some space and do not try to move it unless you see they are in immediate danger. The most important thing to do if you find a wet koala is to stay calm. Beyond that, their fur can make it more difficult for them to access their primary food sources, which are eucalyptus leaves. When koalas find themselves in these types of watery scenarios, their fur can quickly become matted, making them heavy and unable to climb, not to mention the risk of hypothermia. Koalas in urban areas can also become trapped in drainage systems, lawns or pools of open water. Some of the natural causes for a wet koala could be rain, flooding or not finding adequate shelter in their habitats. In this article, we'll take a look at the reasons why a koala can get wet and how you can do your part to help. We've all seen a wet koala at some point and while they're incredibly cute, these fuzzy marsupials need help from us humans if they find themselves in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. Why is this Wet Koala and what can you do to Help?Īrticle Navigation: Common Causes for a Wet Koala | How You Can Help | Conserving Koalas' Habitats
