Cheeky quokka hops a boat to freedom and now everyone's looking for it

The humble and very adorable quokka is a creature only found on Western Australia's Rottnest Island, but it seems one has made an unlikely escape via barge.

An adult quokka was reportedly spotted at a waste recovery centre in the Perth suburb of Canning Vale on Jan 4. by a worker not familiar with the species.

The worker took a photo of it and thought it was a "big rat," according to the Western Suburbs Weekly.

The quokka is a protected species, due to a "vulnerable" conservation status, and authorities are trying to figure out if the animal is still in the centre or has made its way to surrounding bushland.

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Rottnest Island Authority Environmental Officer Shane Kearney told the news outlet the organisation is working with the government Department of Parks and Wildlife to find the cheeky quokka, which will be taken to a vet at Perth Zoo.

It won't be allowed back on the island, but will be relocated at Perth Zoo or a wildlife park. A free trip to Rottnest Island is on offer for anyone who finds the quokka. Poor little guy.

Mashable has contacted the Rottnest Island Authority for further comment.