The
Tasmanian devil (
Sarcophilus harrisii) is a
carnivorous marsupial of the family
Dasyuridae, now found in the wild only on the
Australian island
state of
Tasmania. The size of a small
dog, it became the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world following the
extinction of the
thylacine in 1936. It is characterised by its stocky and muscular build, black fur, pungent odour, extremely loud and disturbing screech, keen sense of smell, and ferocity when feeding. The Tasmanian devil's large head and neck allow it to generate amongst the strongest bite per unit body mass of any extant mammal land predator, and it hunts prey and scavenges
carrion as well as eating household products if humans are living nearby. Although it usually is solitary, it sometimes eats with other devils and defecates in a communal location. Unlike most other
dasyurids, the devil
thermoregulates effectively and is active during the middle of the day without overheating. Despite its rotund appearance, the devil is capable of surprising speed and endurance, and can climb trees and swim across rivers.