Tasmanian Devils are carnivorous marsupials found exclusively on Tasmania, recognized by their stocky build, black fur, and powerful jaws. Their fierce reputation often sparks curiosity about their true nature, largely influenced by their distinctive behaviors and sounds.
Understanding Their Temperament Towards Humans
Serious attacks by Tasmanian Devils on humans are rare, as these animals are shy and prefer to avoid human contact. They are primarily nocturnal, which limits direct interaction during daylight. A devil might bite only when injured, cornered, or actively defending itself, such as when protecting a food source. Despite powerful jaws, their first instinct is to retreat from perceived threats rather than initiate conflict. Even when trapped, they may become inert, though they can still bite out of fear.
Factors Contributing to Their Fierce Reputation
The fierce reputation of the Tasmanian Devil stems from characteristics often misinterpreted by early European settlers. Their loud vocalizations, including raspy screams, shrieks, growls, and snorts during feeding frenzies, contribute significantly to this image. These sounds, audible from a distance, were described as “unearthly” and “blood-curdling,” leading to their “devil” moniker.
Their powerful bite is the strongest per body mass of any living mammalian carnivore. Jaws can open up to 80 degrees, tearing meat and crushing bones with over 553 Newtons of force. This impressive bite strength, combined with their stocky and muscular appearance, creates an intimidating impression. Their scavenging habits, where multiple devils congregate noisily over a carcass, can also be mistaken for unprovoked aggression.
Interactions with Other Animals
Tasmanian Devils play a significant role in their ecosystem as opportunistic scavengers and predators of small prey. They consume a wide variety of food, including insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Their powerful jaws allow them to consume entire carcasses, including bones and fur, which helps maintain hygiene in their habitat.
While they can hunt live prey, they prefer carrion, as it requires less energy expenditure. Interactions with livestock typically involve scavenging on dead animals rather than preying on healthy ones, though newborn lambs and ground-roosting poultry can occasionally be vulnerable. Conflicts with domestic pets are rare but can occur if a pet approaches a feeding or cornered devil. Securing pets, especially at night, is advisable to prevent such encounters.
Encountering a Tasmanian Devil
If you encounter a Tasmanian Devil, maintain a safe distance and do not approach, feed, or attempt to corner it. Devils are shy and typically retreat if given adequate space and an escape route. Remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away while keeping the devil in sight. Securing food waste and supervising pets, particularly during their nocturnal activity, can help prevent devils from being attracted to residential areas. In the unlikely event of a bite, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention promptly due to the risk of infection.