Police are investigating a photo appearing to show a vape being held to the mouth of a quokka on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth.
It is unclear whether the small marsupial inhaled any fumes or was biting the electronic cigarette, which appears to have been held by a person. Authorities are also investigating when the image was taken.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook described the picture as “disgusting” and said attempts to put quokkas at risk or harm them should have consequences.
“Our quokkas are international drawcards for Western Australia and Rottnest Island because of their warm, welcoming nature,” Mr Cook said.
Touching or feeding quokkas is illegal, and anyone who interferes with the native species can face a fine of up to $10,000.
The animals are a popular attraction for visitors to Rottnest Island, where tennis great Roger Federer and actor Chris Hemsworth have both posed for so-called “quokka selfies”.
The investigation comes months after two teenagers appeared in court over an incident in which a black swan was allegedly forced to inhale vape smoke before being abandoned in bushland.
