The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial, Sarcophilus harrisi of the family Dasyuridae, now found only in Tasmania but once widely distributed throughout Australia. The squat, low-slung body with its squarish head may grow to 80 cm (31.5 in) long and the tail to about 30 cm (12 in) long. Males may weigh 9 kg (20 lb) or more. The coarse, brown black coat has white patches on the face, sides, and chest. The jaws and teeth are massive bone crushers. Tasmanian devils feed at night on small animals and carrion. Up to four young are carried in the pouch for about 31/2 months.

Everett Sentman