I think Americans mostly call Koala Bears bears because they look - in a distant sort of way - like bears (specifically teddy bears). We know they're not bears, but because they have a tiny bit of resemblance the name kind of stuck. It's like how we call bison buffalo. Their technical name is bison because they are not actually buffalo, but buffalo ended up sticking.
no subject
I think Americans mostly call Koala Bears bears because they look - in a distant sort of way - like bears (specifically teddy bears). We know they're not bears, but because they have a tiny bit of resemblance the name kind of stuck. It's like how we call bison buffalo. Their technical name is bison because they are not actually buffalo, but buffalo ended up sticking.