Koalas are cuddly
While a koala bred in a zoo may be safe to have placed in your arms (smile!) a wild koala is after all a wild animal. They also have strong legs, long claws and sharp teeth, can and will scratch and bite when scared.
Important fact: If you encounter an injured or sick koala the safest option is to call for an experienced wildlife rescuer (1-300-Animal). If the koala has come to ground and you happen to have a thick blanket you can put this over the koala until help arrives (but remember the strong, long and sharp bits mentioned above!).