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A search is under way in Western Australia for a quokka that escaped its island home on a rubbish barge and is now thought to be lost in suburban Perth.

The little marsupial was spotted at a recycling facility in the southern Canning Vale area last week, but a staff member who photographed it thought it was a rat, . A colleague later reported the sighting to wildlife officials.

It was meant to be safely living on Rottnest Island, where thousands of quokkas roam freely thanks to an absence of many predators - although they do have to deal with tourists seeking .

Western Australia Police an escaped prisoner-style appeal for information, saying the quokka is "small, cute and furry" and "believed to go by the name of Steve". The manner of its getaway suggests that "we seem to be dealing with a very smart, crafty quokka... As with all escapees, Steve is not to be approached as he may act in an unpredictable manner," the force says.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife that the animal could be frightened and is now facing dangers from traffic and predators. "Basically the quokka is at large and we're calling on the community, if you see a quokka let us know because we want it back," says wildlife officer Matthew Swan.

There's an added incentive for people to keep their eyes open - Rottnest Island Authority is offering a free trip there for whoever finds the little creature.

Unfortunately there's no return journey on the cards for "Steve", to avoid exposing the island's other quokkas to health risks. The runaway would instead live out its days in a wildlife park or zoo.

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