A baby koala was found in a woman's backpack after she was arrested during a routine traffic stop.

As officers searched her they asked if she had anything to declare.

She handed over a zipped green canvas bag and said there was a joey inside that she had found the night before and she was looking after it.

Image: The public are advised not to hold a koala if they find one. Pic: Queensland Police

The koala, believed to be about six months old, was taken to a police station in Brisbane, Australia, to be cared for until an official carer can be found.

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said: "He's been on fluids but is doing well and will shortly be going out to a carer. He weighs 1.5kg and we've called him Alfred."


He said if anyone found a koala they should not try to hold it.

Image: The RSPCA have called the koala Alfred. Pic: Queensland Police

Mr Beatty said: "Often the animal may have no obvious signs of injury but it can have internal injuries that need immediate attention."

The 50-year-old woman with the koala was arrested by police at Wishart in Brisbane and is being questioned about "outstanding matters".