Updated on November 7, 2025
The Famous Tassie Devil!
The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial of the family Dasyuridae. It was once native to mainland Australia and is now found in the wild only on the island state of Tasmania, including the tiny east-coast island of Maria Island, where a conservation project is underway with disease-free animals. Wikipedia
The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) got its name from the early European settlers who heard the frightening and unearthly noises coming from the bush. Discovering the little animals with such big, sharp teeth prompted them to call it The Devil.
Tassie Devils once lived on the mainland of Australia. It’s believed they became extinct on the mainland about 3,000 years ago, possibly due to increasing numbers of dingoes. The dingoes were widespread but did not manage to reach Tasmania due to the Bass Strait.
Is the Tasmanian Devil extinct?
No. But they are on the endangered list, as it was realised in 1996 that they were under threat from Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
For over 100 years, the little creatures were trapped and poisoned as they were considered pests. They were under threat of extinction until finally protected by law in 1941.
Are they still alive in the wild?
Yes. The Tassie Devils are very much alive in the wild. One of the best places to see them is at the Cradle Mountain National Park as they emerge after sunset. Please do not feed them!
Are Tasmanian Devils mean?
No. Mean is definitely not the way to describe these Tasmanian icons. They are protective and can be pretty aggressive when feeding on a carcass. The wide-mouthed, gaping snarl they do is more to do with fear than anything else.
When feeling threatened or stressed, they will release a nasty, foul-smelling odour and will do a sharp sneeze if challenging others to fight.
Do Tasmanian Devils spin?
No. Not like the cartoon character of the Tassie Devil! They can climb trees and swim though.
Do Tasmanian Devils attack humans?
No. Not as a rule, unless they are provoked or fearful. When near humans they will, like so many wild animals, scavenge for food and can certainly become aggressive if they are used to being fed and then refused.
Their bite per unit body mass is 540 kg per square inch! Strong enough to gnaw through some metals.
Do Tasmanian Devils have a pouch or lay eggs?
Yes and No. They have a rear-facing pouch to prevent dirt from getting in when digging. About 30-40 tiny, pea-sized young (called Joeys) have to make their way to the pouch; only a few will survive the ordeal – luckily, as the mother only has four teats. First in, first served.
Are Tasmanian Devils marsupials?
Yes. They are marsupials like the Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, and Wombats.
What do they eat?
Devils eat meat and love to feast on the carcasses of dead animals. They are not terribly polite eaters and can make a huge racket as they fight each other off for the best feed. The tail of the Tasmanian devil stores fat, which means a skinny tail is a sign of a sick or starving animal.
Where can we see real live Tassie Devils?
In the central highlands of Tasmania, and National Parks such as Cradle Mountain. Venture out after dark and listen for them! Please do not feed them! There is a wealth of things to see and do in Tasmania. Discover the top 34 attractions that we love and find a map of Tassie here.
Tasmania has several wildlife parks where these animals can be seen as well.
- Tasmanian Devil Un-Zoo, Tarunna, South West Tasmania
- Nature World, Bicheno, East Coast Tasmania
- Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Mole Creek, Northern Tasmania
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Brighton, Southern Tasmania
Are Tasmanian Tigers extinct?
Tigers are extinct, although people occasionally claim to have seen them deep in the Tasmanian Wilderness. It would be lovely if it were true.
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