Quolls are carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Their distinctive spotted coats and sharp teeth sometimes lead people to wonder about their potential danger to humans or domestic animals.
Quoll Characteristics and Behavior
Quolls vary in size, with the smallest species like the northern quoll being similar to a kitten, while the spotted-tailed quoll can be as large as a cat, weighing up to 5 kg. These animals are primarily nocturnal, seeking shelter in dens within hollow logs, rock crevices, or burrows during the day and emerging at night to hunt. They are solitary creatures, preferring to avoid contact and defending their territories from other quolls.
The diet of quolls consists mainly of meat, making them opportunistic carnivores. Smaller quoll species typically consume insects, frogs, lizards, and small mammals, while larger species may prey on possums, birds, and rabbits. Quolls are also known to scavenge on carrion, including roadkill, which can sometimes bring them closer to human-populated areas. Their natural behavior emphasizes elusiveness and a preference for avoiding confrontation.
Risks to Humans
Quolls are not considered dangerous to humans. They are shy by nature and retreat if approached, making direct encounters uncommon. Bites to humans are rare and occur only if a quoll feels threatened, is cornered, or is handled directly. While they possess sharp teeth and a powerful bite, aggression towards people without provocation is unusual.
There is no evidence to suggest that quolls carry specific high-risk diseases that are easily transmissible to humans. Like most wild animals, they can carry general wildlife diseases, but the risk of transmission to humans through a casual encounter is low. Historical accounts of quolls scavenging on human remains primarily involved already deceased individuals, often in remote areas where bodies were left exposed. These instances reflect their opportunistic scavenging behavior rather than active predation on living people.
Risks to Pets and Livestock
Quolls, being carnivores, can pose a threat to small domestic animals, particularly poultry like chickens and ducks. They are skilled hunters with sharp claws and teeth, capable of climbing and digging to access unsecured enclosures. Poultry housed without adequate protection can become easy prey for a hungry quoll.
Larger domestic pets such as adult dogs and cats are not at risk from quolls. In fact, introduced predators like foxes and feral cats can prey on quolls, and dogs may also pose a threat to them. Quolls do not attack larger livestock like sheep or cattle. Any concerns regarding livestock involve scavenging on sick or weak animals, rather than active predation on healthy, adult stock.
Coexisting with Quolls
Coexisting safely with quolls involves implementing measures that protect domestic animals while minimizing conflict. Securing potential food sources, such as pet food left outdoors and garbage bins, can prevent quolls from being attracted to residential areas. This reduces the likelihood of encounters and keeps quolls from associating human dwellings with easy meals.
Protecting small domestic animals, especially poultry, requires secure enclosures. Chicken coops should have roofs and be constructed with strong mesh that extends at least 400 mm below ground to prevent digging. Quolls are excellent climbers, so ensuring there are no gaps in the structure is important. Observing quolls from a distance is always advisable, and direct contact, feeding, or attempting to handle them should be avoided. If a quoll appears injured or distressed, contacting local wildlife authorities is the appropriate course of action.