This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Check out the claws on this male (I think?) koala as he rests in the shade during the afternoon heat at the San Diego Zoo's "Koalafornia" exhibit. The koalas' curved, sharp claws help them to climb trees, and their two opposable digits on their front paws help them grasp branches as they climb. (We humans have only one opposable digit: our thumbs.)
Photo taken in July 2013.
Did you miss last week's koala photoblog?
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