Devils are noctunal animals who sleep during the day and hunt/scavange at night. They are widespread in Tasmania and live in open Sclerophyll forests and mixed rainforests. They make their dens in hollowed logs, old wombat burrows and caves. They can have up to 3 dens within their home range which can spread over 20 square kms and Devils will usually travel their entire homerange each night in search of food. They are also known to live close or even under farmhouses. Devils will pretty much occupy any area as long as they can find a safe and secure shelter by day and able to find adequate food during the night.

Devils home ranges are shared with other Devils in the area and they also share common latrine sites which is very uncommon in the animal Kingdom. Scats are found usually near a water source or in an area where devils pass through frequently. The reason for the behaviour is unknown, it could be territorial or a form of communication with other Devils.

An established Devils Den is frequented for life. Many old houses will have permanent Devil Dens in their foundations which have been used by Devils for hundreds of years. Devils will move from one Den to another and are very particular housekeepers. They are very fussy as to how their nests are made which is usually made up of leafy material. They are constantly cleaning out the contents and replacing it with fresh material.

Devils sleep during the day and at dusk emerge from their dens to begin their hunt for food travelling at approximately 10km/hr. Devils cover their home range following set tracks, It is rare for Devils to randomly walk through the bush unless prey or a carcass takes them there.. The Devil returns to the Den at Dawn.

Devils are solitary animals and hunt alone, however will congregate and share a carcass. While feeding on a carcass there is an order which is adhered to between the individual Devils. There is a lot of squabbling and aggressive performances which is just that a performance. What seems violent is actually mainly just threat and bluff tactics. Sometimes contact is made and can lead to injuries to the face and neck, however the most vicious fighting is usually between males during the mating season. Devils communicate through vocalizations and posturing. Devils will bark, snort, growl, wail and scream and that is only a few of the observed vocalizations. The display is used to establish dominance amongst the pack.

The famous yawn published all around the world which gives the impression that the Devil is a vicious animal is misleading. The yawn is more a display of fear and uncertainty.

The Devils have a typical carnivore smell which is like a musty odour and is not offensive. However Devils do let off a very strong odour when under stress. What a lot of people don't realise is that Devils are quite clean animals and clean themselves not unlike a cat. Using both their front paws they clean and groom themselves regularly, they also keep a clean den.

Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil Breeding

References:
Department of Primary Industries and Water Tasmania
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Services
Tasmanian Devil - A Unique and Threatened Species by David Owen and David Pemberton
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