Koalas are often more legend than reality around Queanbeyan, but this month, residents have been treated to several rare sightings of the elusive creature.
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May 30 brought the first glimpse of the fluffy, grey, tree-dweller to a member of the public travelling along Captains Flat Road in the Cuumbeun Nature Reserve.
The small reserve, only 709 hectares, was created in 2001 and now, it seems, is home to koala populations.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) worker, Susannah Power, said the organisation plans to survey the reserve over the next few months to fully gauge the koala population in the area.
"Until then we encourage people to keep reporting their sightings to the NPWS Queanbeyan Office and remind park users and motorists to please take care near the Reserve," she said.
"These sightings are really encouraging and I'm sure they have taken many drivers by surprise - but they also serve as a real reminder to slow down on rural roads.
"With wildlife about it's important for people passing through to take care and for park visitors to minimise their impact on this species habitat.
"The increased number of sightings also highlights the importance of this relatively small reserve in providing habitat for this iconic species."
Ms Power said the passing motorists were extremely lucky to be able to get close enough to snatch photos of the passing koalas and that even seeing them in the first place is a real treat.
"We're not sure if this particular animal is male or female but we know it's rare and very exciting to see a koala in the reserve," said Ms Power.