We have the top 10 most exciting Tasmanian Devil Facts for Kids! Read everything you need to know about these tiny nocturnal Australian scavengers here. Learn more about these interesting creatures with these Tasmanian Devil Facts for Kids.
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Fact # 1 They are nocturnal.
Nocturnal animals sleep during the day and are active at night. During the day, they sleep in logs, caves, or burrows. Tasmanian devils do not travel far. They only go about 2 miles per night in search of food.
Fact # 2 They were native to mainland Australia
Tasmanian devils were once found on the mainland of Australia. But now, they only live in Tasmania, an island off Southern Australia’s coast. You can find Tasmanian devils throughout the island in all habitats.
Fact #3 Tasmanian Devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials in the world!
Tasmanian Devils males are around 18 pounds and 25 inches long, and females weigh about 13 pounds and 22 inches long. They are carnivores meaning they eat meat. They eat sheep, rabbits, wombats, wallabies, and insects.
Fact # 4 They shriek and show their teeth when threatened
When Tasmanian Devils feel they are in danger, they scream and show their teeth. They can also let out a strong odor to keep predators away.
Fact #5 They don’t have friends
Tasmanian Devils are solitary animals and do not spend time in groups. They like to spend their time alone.
Fact #6 Females are pregnant for less than a month
A female Tasmanian Devil is pregnant for 21 days. A mother gives birth to 20-40 baby devils. Not many will survive. A mother can fit four baby devil’s in her pouch. When they are born, they race to the pouch, the first four that make it survive. Tasmanian Devils are the size of a grain of rice when they are born. A baby Tasmanian Devil is called a joey.
Fact # 7 They can swim, climb and stink
Tasmanian Devils can swim in the water and climb trees. They can run up to 8 miles per hour. They can let out a strong odor similar to a skunk when they are mad.
Fact # 8 They live a short life
On average, a Tasmanian Devil lives 5-6 years but can live up to 8 years. Predators include dogs and foxes. Some die from being hit by cars or loss of habitat. The number one cause of death is a disease.
Fact # 9 They Suffer from DFTD
Tasmanian Devils often suffer from devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). A cancer that causes lumps and lesions on the head, body, and mouth. The tiny lumps and lesions turn into large tumors. The tumors make it hard for them to eat, causing them to starve to death.
Fact # 10 They are an endangered species
There are approximately 25,000 Tasmanian devils left in the world. Currently, conversation groups are trying to build the number of Tasmanian devils by reintroducing them back to the Australian mainland.
