Tasmanian Devils

Tasmanian devils are small but fierce animals. They live on the island of Tasmania, near Australia. These marsupials have black fur, sharp teeth, and very loud voices. They got their name because of the scary screams they make at night.

How They Live

Tasmanian devils are the biggest meat-eating marsupials in the world. They eat almost anything, including bones and fur. Devils are mostly active at night when they hunt and search for food. During the day, they hide in dens or hollow logs. They are great at finding dead animals to eat.

Strong Jaws

Tasmanian devils have one of the strongest bites of any mammal its size. Their jaws can crunch right through bones. When they get excited or scared, they make loud screeching sounds. Baby devils are called joeys and grow up in their mother's pouch. A mother can carry up to four babies at a time.

Fun Facts

• Tasmanian devils can eat up to 40 percent of their body weight in one meal.
• They have black fur with white stripes on their chest.
• A cartoon character named Taz is based on the Tasmanian devil.

Did You Know?

Tasmanian devils are the size of a small dog but can make sounds loud enough to scare much bigger animals away.