Police in Australia have found a dehydrated koala squashed in a woman's bag after arresting her on an entirely different matter.

Officers said they stopped a 50-year-old woman in Wishart, in south Brisbane, at around 8.55pm, and when asked if she had anything else to declare, she handed over the canvas satchel.

Police are investigating claims by the woman that she found the joey on a street nearby and was caring for it.

A police statement said: “The woman handed over a zipped green canvas bag telling officers it contained a baby koala.

“Not quite believing their ears, the officers cautiously unzipped the bag and found this gorgeous boy.”

An RSPCA worker has christened the rare bear, believed to be six months’ old, Alfred.

“He’s been on fluids but is doing well and will shortly be going out to a carer,” said RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty.

Koalas are protected by conservation laws in Australia Police South Brisbane (Police South Brisbane)

“He weighs 1.5kg and we’ve called him Alfred.”

The RSPCA is also urging Australians not to attempt handling koalas.

Adorable koala enjoys a belly rub

The fluffy marsupials are protected under the country’s Nature Conservation Act 1992.