Why Australia is shooting koalas out of trees from helicopters

Koala on eucalyptus tree outdoor in Australia. | Maridav/Getty Images

The koala is a national icon of Australia. And in some parts of the country, these marsupials — known for their fluffy ears, adorable clingy babies, and diet of eucalyptus leaves — are endangered. In the last two decades, their population size in some areas has dropped by half.

It may seem odd, then, that the government is shooting them out of trees. From helicopters. In a national park. 

Earlier this month...