Why do koalas move slowly?

Contrary to popular belief, koalas are quite quick once they are on the move. They can move at a good speed for short distances along the ground, although not quickly enough to evade dogs. There is no information available on the speed a koala can actually run.

They have also been observed running reasonably quickly along the road, almost too fast for well-meaning humans to catch up to them and move them out of harm's way.

Koalas can shinny up trees very quickly and efficiently when threatened.