Koala caught up in Sydney bushfire rejects firefighter’s help

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.

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

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