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September 29, 2003
There's Something About Koalas
Koalas are one of my favorite marsupials. I've always thought that they were incredibly cute and cuddling looking...that is, until I managed to catch a special on TV yesterday.
Koalas make the most god-awful noises I have ever heard.
They communicate with these grunts that sound like a snore and then a huge belch, known as a ‘bellow’. "Their mating sounds range from the pig-like grunts and growls of the males, to the high pitched trembling sounds of the females," said the television.
But man, it was far more horrifying than that. They sounded like someone with sinus trouble trying to breathe and mate at the same time underwater. Or something like that. But don't take my word for it-- listen to a male koala here.
Posted by callalillie at September 29, 2003 9:31 AM | WTF?
they kind of sound like gorillas, no? or at least like the ones that humans play on tv.
Posted by: tien at September 29, 2003 10:37 AM
Callie: Did you know there were no marsupials in what is now know as North America intil it collided with South America? Then marsupials moved north and cats moved south.
Posted by: ChrisM at September 29, 2003 10:54 AM
Glad to hear that you've clarified a few myths about koalas. Many tourists who visit Australia are caught unawares that they're quite dangerous - particularly as they look so 'cute'. However, during the mating season during September to January, they are very aggressive and are responsible for 25 or so deaths every year, nationwide - just because tourists do not follow the warning signs but fall for their cuteness. They look lazy but they can very dangerous. Killer Koalas as they're sometimes called. And if you can believe that, you'll believe anything :)
Posted by: David @ APW at September 30, 2003 12:44 AM
They're not so cute when you see them poised for mating. In fact, they're kind of scary. I think that animal special has scarred me for life...
Posted by: callalillie at September 30, 2003 9:09 AM
