Koala caught up in Sydney bushfire rejects firefighter's help

Koala caught up in Sydney bushfire rejects firefighter’s help

Published on: April 15, 2018

The creature appeared timid as it sat on a street in Alfords Point, south of Sydney
Officials had quite a task on their hands when they attempted to take it home
The small marsupial resisted help from a woman trying to pick it up with a coat

By Brooke Rolfe For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 09:38 BST, 15 April 2018 | Updated: 12:43 BST, 15 April 2018

A resident koala in the bushland savaged by out-of-control fires in New South Wales Saturday made its way to safety on a residential street.

But when it came time to return the fluffy fellow to its natural habitat Sunday, officials had quite a task on their hands.

The native creature appeared timid as it sat on a street in Alfords Point, south of Sydney, and resisted help from a woman who tried to pick it up with a jacket.

A resident koala in the bushland savaged by out-of-control fires in New South Wales Saturday made its way to safety on a residential street

A resident koala in the bushland savaged by out-of-control fires in New South Wales Saturday made its way to safety on a residential street

The small marsupial made attempts to wriggle free from the coat – its legs flailing in the air as its body squirms in the fire officer’s hands.

Video of the attempted capture shows the koala eventually successfully breaking away from the woman, who used a fire fighting coat to scoop the creature up.

A puzzled looking animal then sat facing away from her attempted rescuer as others stood around filmed the bizarre encounter.

The small marsupial made attempts to wriggle free from the coat - its legs flailing in the air as its body squirms in the fire officer's hands

The small marsupial made attempts to wriggle free from the coat – its legs flailing in the air as its body squirms in the fire officer’s hands

Fire savaged through bush and came dangerously close to properties Saturday afternoon, with crews and residents adamant to not let it claim any homes.

Spot fires continued to keep Menai, Alfreds Point and Barden Ridge residents on edge Sunday night as emergency crews urged them to remain vigilant.

Investigators believed the blaze, which began near the Casula train station, may have been deliberately lit.

Fire savaged through bush and came dangerously close to properties Saturday afternoon, with crews and residents adamant to not let it claim any homes

Fire savaged through bush and came dangerously close to properties Saturday afternoon, with crews and residents adamant to not let it claim any homes