Experts from National Parks and Wildlife are keeping an eye on a spotted-tail quoll that was spotted in a busy marina in northern New South Wales. Residents of Coffs Harbour discovered the quoll in the foreshore area and reported their concerns for the animal's safety due to its unusual location.

Wildlife carer Michael Sallustio expressed surprise at the sighting of the carnivorous quoll, which is classified as vulnerable in New South Wales. "It's definitely odd … for [the quoll] to travel from the bush, across dangerous roads, running down the breakwall there," Sallustio said. He added, "It's a very intriguing one … it's kind of cool it's there, but it's also out of place."

Glen Storrie from the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for monitoring the quoll. He noted that while the species is known to inhabit diverse environments, sightings in urban areas like the marina are uncommon. "Having quolls move through urban areas close to bushland isn't uncommon, but usually they're not seen. They do hang out in more natural areas," Storrie explained.

Storrie mentioned that the quoll has been spotted multiple times over the past few years and likely travels between Coffs Creek and the nearby botanical gardens. "We think the quoll would likely move between those two areas," he said. "They can travel a couple of [kilometers] foraging and looking for food. So, this is not only a celebration of having a quoll, but also having natural areas right in the middle of the city."

He advised the public not to feed or approach the quoll and to exercise caution with fishing gear and when walking dogs in the vicinity. "Quolls have really powerful jaws; they have one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom, just a bit below the Tasmanian Devil, so you don't want to put your hand in its mouth," Storrie cautioned. He reported that the quoll appears healthy and well-fed, likely preying on pigeons nesting among the jetty rocks. There have been no threats reported to the nearby mutton bird population, which is a protected species.

Dean Reid from Aussie Ark, located in Barrington Tops on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, highlighted the decline of spotted quoll populations across Australia. He noted that sightings of this "secretive" species are becoming increasingly rare. "Human activity … also cats and foxes might predate on the young, so those are a couple of factors why they're declining," Reid said. He also pointed out that urban sprawl and land clearing contribute significantly to their decline. Reid mentioned that Aussie Ark plans to breed and release spotted-tailed quolls starting next year, aiming to bolster the population of this vulnerable species.