Myth

The Koala bear (Phascolarctos cinereus) has fingerprints so human like that they are often mistaken as such in Australian crime scenes.

Reality

Possibly true if your assailant has long claws on each finger and two thumbs.

The fact is that Koala paws are uniquely designed to climb trees. The front paws (hands) have three digits and two opposing digits (or thumbs) which would mean it would be totally and utterly impossible to mistake Koala prints for human.



More over, while Koala prints are similar to that of human fingerprints you will note that the actual size would be more akin to a small toddler or baby.

So the concept of Australian police putting out a A.P.B. for a two thumbed murdering toddler seems more than a little far fetched.

Tags: Koala, Fingerprints