The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, recognizable by its stocky build, black fur, and powerful jaws. Endemic exclusively to Tasmania, this animal has long been associated with a ferocious reputation, largely due to its name and the startling sounds it produces. Understanding the devil’s natural disposition and behavior separates the myth from biological reality and accurately assesses its threat level to humans.
Threat Level to Humans
Tasmanian devils pose a low threat to people in the wild, despite their appearance and name. These animals are timid, preferring to avoid human contact and flee rather than engage in confrontation. They are mostly nocturnal and elusive, meaning encounters are rare unless they are actively sought out or drawn to human areas by food sources.
Instances of a devil attacking a human are extremely uncommon and nearly always involve direct provocation. An attack is typically a defensive reaction that occurs when the animal is sick, trapped, or cornered, or if a person attempts to handle one. Because they possess powerful jaws, a defensive bite can cause serious injury. This behavior is self-defense from a wild animal under duress, not predatory aggression.
Behavior and Vocalizations
The devil’s aggressive reputation stems from its unique behavior and the terrifying sounds it produces. Early European settlers named the animal after the devil due to the unearthly growls, screeches, and snarls heard in the darkness. These vocalizations are not directed at humans, but are part of a complex social ritual used to establish dominance, primarily when multiple devils congregate at a large carcass for a communal feeding frenzy.
The species possesses the strongest bite force relative to body size of any living mammalian carnivore. This power, which can exert a force of over 553 Newtons, is an adaptation that allows the devil to crush and consume the bones and hide of a carcass. Their jaws can open to an angle of 75 to 80 degrees, making them highly efficient scavengers rather than dedicated predators of large prey.
Interactions with Domestic Animals
While not a threat to humans, the Tasmanian devil is an opportunistic forager whose diet can sometimes conflict with human interests. As scavengers, they primarily feed on carrion, which helps maintain bush and farm hygiene by removing dead and sick animals from the landscape. They also supplement their diet by actively hunting small prey, such as birds, reptiles, and insects.
The primary concern for landowners is the devil’s potential to prey on unsecured domestic animals, such as poultry. Free-range birds are vulnerable targets, and devils are known to be able to breach poorly secured enclosures. They are generally not a threat to larger livestock or secured adult pets, but they may occasionally take small, unsecured pets like kittens or puppies. Landowners can mitigate this risk by installing devil-proof coops for poultry and ensuring vulnerable pets are not left outside unsupervised at night.