The Tasmanian devil, native to Tasmania, is recognized by its stocky build, black fur, and powerful jaws, holding iconic status. Despite its fierce name and reputation, derived from loud screeches and aggressive displays, curiosity exists about its interactions with humans.
Tasmanian Devil Temperament
Tasmanian devils are generally shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid confrontation. Primarily nocturnal, they are active at night foraging for food and traveling long distances. During daylight, they typically rest in dens like hollow logs, caves, or burrows. This nocturnal and solitary nature limits their interaction with people.
While not inherently aggressive towards humans, their fierce reputation stems from feeding frenzies. When multiple devils converge on a carcass, they engage in loud, vicious interactions, characterized by growls, screeches, and snarls. These displays often establish dominance and are not indicative of their general disposition. Their powerful jaws and bone-crushing teeth contribute to their formidable image, though primarily used for consuming prey and carrion.
Human Encounters
Unprovoked attacks by Tasmanian devils on humans are extremely rare. Despite their strong bite force, among the most powerful relative to body size, they generally prefer to flee rather than fight when encountering people. Their “devil” moniker comes from loud vocalizations, particularly during feeding or agitation, which early European settlers found unsettling.
A devil might react aggressively if threatened, cornered, or provoked. Bites are defensive reactions. For example, a trapped, injured, or sick devil may bite out of fear. The Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer, causes disfiguring tumors around the face and mouth, impairing eating and leading to starvation. While DFTD spreads among devils through biting, it is not transmissible to humans or domestic animals.
Encountering a Devil Safely
If you encounter a Tasmanian devil, maintain a safe distance. These wild animals should be treated with respect, even though generally timid. Avoid approaching or feeding them, as human food can make them sick and disrupt natural foraging.
Avoid cornering a devil or making loud noises that could startle it. If injured, sick, or trapped, contact local wildlife authorities or rescue services rather than attempting to help it yourself. Organizations like Bonorong Wildlife Rescue can be reached for urgent concerns regarding unwell or injured devils.