But take out that one offending preposition and it's true —
Firstly, it should be noted that no, quokkas don't throw their babies at predators. That is a joke, but it is somewhat based on reality. Quokkas keep their young in their pouches, and while fleeing from predators, babies are known to fall out and are then left there by their parents.
Like many macropods, when threatened, Quokka mothers may expel their joeys from their pouched leaving them squealing on the ground. A chasing predator is attracted by this giving the mother time to get away. It sounds harsh but it's better than both mother and baby ending up as prey.
During the day they will shelter in areas of dense vegetation. Among the dense vegetation, Quokkas will create paths and trails for use as runways for feeding or escaping predators.
1. Known as the 'world's happiest animal' for their smile. Quokkas are playful, adorable and known for being cute as a button, which has recently landed them the title of 'world's happiest animal.
Natural predators of quokkas are dingoes and birds of prey; introduced dogs, cats, and foxes have led to significant population declines on the mainland.
First of all, Hayward makes it clear that quokkas are not violent. "They are typical herbivores," explains the specialist in an email, "that flee from predators instead of defending themselves." Although he admits that he has 'scars' after trying some specimens, they are not really characterized as aggressive animals.
Conclusions: Bites from quokkas heal without complications, usually in two to three weeks. Simple first aid and tetanus prophylaxis where appropriate are all that is required. Antibiotics are not indicated.
You cannot touch them: While quokkas are friendly, they're still wild animals that can bite and often carry nasty diseases, like salmonella. To help keep them safe, there's also a $300 fine for anyone found trying to touch a quokka.
Why do quokkas look so happy? No one quite knows the exact reason their facial expression seems to resemble a smile. One theory is that it helps them keep cool.
Indigenous names include Ban-gup, Bungeup, Quak-a and Bangop. At the time of European settlement the Quokka was common in the south-west of Western Australia.
Perhaps the most disturbing of our quokka facts has to do with their maternal instincts. Many other animals will fight, and even die, for their children, but not so with quokka mothers. When threatened, quokka mothers pull their joeys out of their pouches and throw them on the ground, where they'll squeal.
quokka. A small, short-tailed wallaby, Setonix brachyurus, of south-western Western Australia, including Rottnest and Bald Islands. (These islands are free of quokka predators such as foxes and cats.) Quokka was first recorded in 1855, and comes from Noongar, an Aboriginal language of this area.
Loss and degradation of its habitat and predation by foxes and feral cats are the causes of the quokka's decline. Its distribution also appears to be affected by climatic factors. And as southwest WA dries due to climate change, there will be more habitat loss at the quokka's expense.
Although friendly, they aren't harmless. Although quokkas are happy to see us and are approachable, it doesn't mean we should pat or cuddle them. They're still wild animals and can bite! So it's best just to watch how cute they are from a distance and take some photos of them.
The main reason why quokkas don't make good pets is that it's illegal to remove them from Australia. Quokkas are heavily protected by Australian law. The IUCN currently classifies them as threatened.
It's important to note that touching the quokkas is illegal, as they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Thankfully, due to their friendliness, it is pretty easy to grab a few selfies with the animals from a safe distance.
It primarily infects the quokka, which is one of only four macropodid marsupials to get pox lesions. The lesions can mainly be seen on the tail, and can be up to 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in diameter.
Close relatives of Wallabies, these tiny animals are found all over Rottnest Island, where their survival is largely attributed to the exclusion of any natural predators. The Quokka is the only native mammal on Rottnest and apart from a small colony on the mainland, cannot be found elsewhere on Earth.
Though quokkas are generally gentle and sweet, remember they're still a wild animal – they have sharp claws and teeth they will use against you if they feel threatened!
But all this smiling is actually an evolutionary feature that helps them pant and cool off — a big plus for furry residents of an island that's bathed in sunshine 12 months a year.
Quokkas are friendly and approachable creatures. They're used to tourists, so they have little fear of human contact, and they'll hop right up to people who are marveling at them. This is how visitors to Rottnest Island are able to pose for so many “quokka selfies.”
A Quokka can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
They aren't afraid of human interaction at all, and will gladly come up and hang out with you. The quokka is known for its happy demeanor.
Quokkas sleep during the day in small groups amongst dense vegetation, becoming very active at night, when they gather around water holes with up to 150 other individuals.