The blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Bugs Bunny. Of course Tasmanian Devils spin as I have seen it from the cartoon screen since childhood. From some faraway and foreign land called Tasmania, my image of beasts impostering as whirling dervishes on steroids remained vivid through adulthood.
Through blushes of embarrassment I admit until a few years ago I didn’t even know where Tasmania was located on a map let alone it’s spinning devils. When our trip to Australia entered the planning phases it was this mysterious land that became one of my must not miss stops. After all those Saturdays with the Looney Tunes gang, the time had come to seek out these Tasmanian Devils; do they or don’t they spin?
What is a Tasmanian Devil?
The size of a small dog, the Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial found only in the island of Tasmania, off the southern coast of Australia. Stocky and muscular it is known for its loud and disturbing screech and baring of teeth.
The Tasmanian Devil’s large head and neck enable it to deliver the strongest bite per unit of body mass of any living mammal. If the Tasmanian Devil can wrap it’s jaws around something it can crush it.
Where can you see a Tasmanian Devil?
Since the late 1990’s, the numbers of Tasmanian Devils have plummeted as Devil Facial Tumour Disease has spread through the population. In 2008 the Tasmanian Devil was declared an endangered species. Programs throughout Tasmania are working to breed the Devils in captivity to sustain the iconic symbol of Tasmania. The best way to see a Tasmanian Devil is to visit such a wildlife sanctuary where such breeding programs are occuring.
So do the Tasmanian Devils spin or not?
We had the good fortune to spend an afternoon at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about the Tasmanian Devil and have the opportunity to feed one. Our guide wearing steel toed boots assisted us (we were safely behind the enclosure wall) in feeding the very enthusiastic eater.
The Looney Tunes creators may not have got the spinning correct when they designed the cartoon character but the ferocious and bone crunching feeding behaviour of the Tasmanian Devil made me want to scream “Run for your life Bugs Bunny!” ( not to mention Hubby in the photo below)
Did you watch the Tasmanian Devil in cartoons as a child?
We were guest of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. All shrieks by one of us were my own as well as any opinions shared here.
What an AWESOME title and post. Truly enjoyed it.
That brought a huge smile to my fave Jim. I hoped people would get it and so glad to know the title grabbed your attention. These little animals are unbelievably ferocious. Yikes!
They are so very cool (partially in thanks to Warner Bros.). What a neat experience to feed one! I hope the breeding program is successful. Loving the backpack view!
So delighted to have you along in the backpack! Feeding this fellow was an experience we won’t soon forget. I couldn’t believe how strong the little guy was. Definitely wouldn’t want to get your hand near that mouth.
We so hope that Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and other organizations like it continue to have success in building up the population again.
Great title, Sue. I thought you took a devil dancing. 😀
Everyone can associate with this post and Bugs Bunny cartoons. Love it. A blast from the past tied to the present. What can be better than that. Leave it to Sue and Dave. The cartoon one are uglier than the real thing. 😛 😛
Tess thanks so much for the feedback on the title. As I mentioned to Jim in an earlier comment I very much hoped people got the ASAP ia toon with the Bugs Bunny character.
No dancing with the devil but this experience was an eye opener. We learned so much during our afternoon. So happy to be able to share this with you!
An enlightening and enjoyable read as always, Sue. You are welcome.
I did watch that cartoon as a kid. Loved it. But it’s nice to learn more about the actual animal. I bet Australia is amazing!
Carrie yesterday when I stood on the side of the road with a koala in the trees and parrots flying over my head I could hardly believe this country is real. Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe our time here. 🙂
Happy to share a bit more in the Tassie Devil. Not an animal one would want to mess with!
No spinning, then. 🙁 Do they at least walk about on their hind legs and slaver a bit?
Bun the lack of spinning is definitely made up by the ability to crush your hand with their jaws. Wowza definitely some slavering and none crunching!
Those jaws sound pretty scary. Having said that, I do find it a little hard to believe there is any creature on the planet that can hold something between its teeth more tightly than I can a cookie.
How cool that you got to see a Tasmanian Devil. Of course I remember him from the cartoons. Isn´t it funny where we got our education from!
Darlene it is funny to think that for decades my vision of this Tasmanian icon was a Looney Tunes creation. Not sure what the animator might have been drinking at the time. 🙂
OH! I am soooooo jealous. I drove all over Tasmania (LOVED it), but never saw one Devil. Like always…I have to do everything twice…like go back to Tasmania. I did see a platypus, though, in a river!!
Badfish if you saw a platypus then I believe you won the Tasmanian wildlife lottery! We too want to go back to this amazing place and we just left. 🙂
Not only do I remember Bugs Bunny and the Tasmanian Devil, but BB was – and still is – my hero.
Like you, I was curious about the Devil and had to do some research on it – even though we never made it to Tasmania. Although a fierce little fighter, I was relieved to find it wasn’t going to live up to its cartoon character 🙂
Joanne yet one more thing we have in common. I adore Bugs Bunny too! The Tasmanian Devil left out the spinning but certainly a ferocious little guy that’s for sure!
LOVE the title and post! I grew up watching Looney Toons, and the Tasmanian Devil was definitely a favorite character. I’m disappointed to learn that Tasmania is not inhabited by hundreds of whirling dervishes… ???
Thanks for a wonderful post and very cool pics!
We are delighted you enjoyed the post and the title. It seems so many of us cut our teeth on these cartoons. Although the country’s population of the Devils is at risk I must tell you there seems to be thousands of wallabies and possums. 🙂
I have seen every episode many times over and love them all. Bugs for president. I hope the specie won’t die out, wonder how the tumors even got started?
John the disease is a transmissible cancer. The guide told us that researchers have been able to track it to the area it began. As to the ethology I think a mutation of some sort but I’m certainly no expert.
Wow, what a fascinating critter! We watched lots of Bugs Bunny as kids, and I was quite disillusioned to discover that roadrunners aren’t purple and Tasmanian Devils don’t spin. But I wouldn’t say that to a Tasmanian Devil’s face – they look like the kind of animals you don’t really want to annoy. And there’s no way I’d put my fingers as close to their mouths as Dave did! Count your fingers, Dave… 😉
Dianne it’s all a bit disappointing to think the animators may have been ingesting substances to enhance their creativity. 🙂 we all took turns feeding the wee fellow but I admit I held on for a couple of seconds before screeching and letting the devil have his way with the drumstick.
It would appear that David, hubby, has the jaws of life his hand not engaged with the devil !!!!!
Hi Nan. Dave here. It was actually a GoPro in my hand, but I would have gladly sacrificed it if necessary 🙂
one of many favorites shows growing up. interesting facts on the real one! thanks Sue! 🙂
Lola every Saturday afternoon at 5pm my brother and I would watch Bugs Bunny. Tasmania and it’s Devils always intrigued me. Amazing to finally see the real thing!
I do remember the cartoon Tassie Devil but I guess having grown up seeing the real thing (mainly in captivity), any mention of a Tasmanian Devil would make me automatically think of the real one. But Diane’s mention of the Road Runner was useful because it gave me an example of what you would be seeing. I’ve never seen a real Road Runner so any mention of one would have me automatically thinking of the cartoon character. Now I get it. 😀
Heather my guess is that kids outside of Australia were left with a very warped view of the Tasmanian Devil. The real road runner at least has a significant similarity, albeit about three feet shorter than it’s cartoon cousin.
But a moose is just like Bullwinkle, right?
Oh yes they all look like Bullwinkle. 🙂
hmmm now how I remember the little devil, much cuter…. Diane’s comment about ther road runner, had me chuckle cuz I too had to do a double when I saw a real one. If only the innocence of our younger days could stay with us a tad longer!
Thanks for taking us along on your trip.. really enjoying it..
So delighted to have you along! I agree that finding out that Tasmanian Devils and Road runners don’t live up to our childhood visions is a let down. Kind of like finding out Santa and The Easter Bunny aren’t real. Oh the joys of childhood. 🙂
Such fun post, I used to love the cartoon characters. I am not sure I would be brave enough to feed the little devil with those sharp teeth so near ones hand. I am loving your Australia blog posts, keep them coming ?
Thanks Gilda. Dave here. We were all pretty safe will ‘playing with the devil’, so to speak 🙂
Oh my goodnight! And to think that my dad wanted to relocate us as a family to Tasmania in the 1950’s. They really do look like small devils, minus the red tail and pitchfork. Dave looks like he’s up for anything. I assume you didn’t also offer your hand in friendship. 😀
Sylvia. Dave here. That is fascinating that you almost became a Tassie! Sue also participated in the Devil feeding frenzy. She admits giving out a little squeal. I’m not admitting anything 🙂
What no spinning? Now what can I believe on T.V.? Looks like a real find– to actually see a real one. And for Dave to risk (maybe not) life, but (certainly) limb 😉 So Tasmania is a real place… Live and learn.
Hi Wendy. Dave here. Yes this gives us a twist to the meaning of putting a spin on a story:). Well we all took a turn at bravery. My bravery dissolved somewhat when I heard the bones of the food offered being crushed by the cute little devil.
Fun post! We were a little more aware than you, but yes, we did watch the cartoons, and yes, we did feel a Tasmanian Devil was a “must see” when we visited.
Dave here. Thanks for your comment. Good you were a bit more aware of what you were facing when in Tasmania! 🙂
They look quite fierce, and Dave was brave to get very, very close. I’ve never made the trip to Tasmania, or Tassie as most Australians call it. It is a little island, forgotten by quite a lot of us in the other states of Australia 😀
Mabel we all had a go at feeding the Tasmanina Devil. I will admit I didn’t hold on very long and let out quite the shriek! Tasmania is so beautiful and the wildlife is amazing. We would love to go back and do more hiking.
It’s an ugly critter don’t you think? I wouldn’t get that close for sure!
Hi Andrew. Dave here. Actually pretty cute when the face is peeking out of it’s den, but when in action…Wow!
You get my bravery award of the day. Hope you are having a good time down-under!
Easy to be brave standing behind the wall 🙂 Yes, we are having a fantastic time!
I must have watched a thousand Bugs Bunny cartoons when I was a child and don’t remember ever seeing a Tasmanian Devil – maybe I just wasn’t concentrating. Now I’m going to have to spend an afternoon with the Cartoon Channel and try to spot one. You make them look quite fierce but the ones in Taronga Zoo (Sydney) look positively adorable.
Hi Lyn. Dave here. Yes they look adorable, but they can definitely stand up for themselves. It was amazing to see how instantly aggressive they become when either food is presented or one gets in their personal space :). Yikes!
I too grew up on the Bug Bunny version of Tasmanian Devils, Sue! I just knew as a kid that I did not want to encounter one! 🙂 Thanks for setting the record straight. ~Terri
Hi Terri. Dave here. I too grew up watching that crazy Tasmanian Devil spin through the middle of trees. Now seeing the real thing, I’m still scared of these Devils, even though a bit shyer and smaller than there TV persona. When I heard the bone being crushed by the bite of the Tassie Devil, I couldn’t believe it! Wow!
Poor little devils got such a bad wrap on those cartoons! Admittedly with those teeth, I would not want to tangle with one! Looks like you are having such an amazing time Sue!
Hi Lynn. Dave here. We are definitely having a great time down under! And I agree with you I wouldn’t want to tangle with one of these little, cute creatures 🙂
An enlightening and enjoyable read as always, Sue. You are welcome.
Sometimes WP won’t send a response to a comment like this one. Had to come to you post to leave it. 🙁
Tess I think what you are experiencing is that we switched from WordPress.com to WordPress.org recently. So we show up in WP Reader but unfortunately to comment or like you have to come to our site. I so appreciate that you have! Xo
This was a one-time go-to-your-place so far. I’ve had the same problem a couple times in the past with other sites. Hope it gets fixed on my end. 🙂
This is a really lovely post Sue, we Tasmanians have always known that the cartoon didn’t quite have our beloved devils quite right, we all watched that cartoon too (and loved it). In all the years I’ve been out and about in the Tasmanian bush I’ve only ever seen four in the wild, they are such shy creatures. It’s wonderful that places like Bonorong are doing what they can to look after our Devils.
Hi Annie. Dave here. Yes, we noticed how very shy they are. We were stunned at how powerful these little creatures are! We were impressed that such an international effort is underway to save these little devils from disease! Congrats on your 21K run on the weekend!
Sounds like you are meeting some interesting characters on your trip Sue. Enjoying your perspective on what you experience here in Oz. I think Tassie Devils are wonderful creatures. Yes you need to love them from afar I would say. Pity they are struggling in the wild. Thank goodness for sanctuaries where we can see them flourish. I do remember the Looney Tunes version and loved him too.
We are having such a fabulous time in your amazing country. What is clear is the fact we need to return for a much longer time. There are so many stories to share while here and in the weeks and months ahead. The Tasmanian Devil will be a fond, albeit a bit scary, memory of our time here. As you say thank goodness for sanctuaries such as Bonorong doing great work.
Good to hear Sue.
Haha yes, the Tasmanian devil in the cartoon is the only one Tasmanian devil I have ever seen.
Dave here. Hope you enjoyed the real thing 🙂
Dave here 🙂 Yes, Bonorong is a must-see place to visit when in Tassie!. We were so impressed with their caring of the rescue animals and their determination to return them to the wild if at all possible. And yes, those Devils are truly amazing liitle creatures!
Glad to hear you enjoyed Tasmania, Sue – it’s a fascinating place, isn’t it? I didn’t manage to spot any Devils when I went (we have a policy of not visiting zoos et-al) but I did see platypuses – which will feature in my April A-Z challenge blog posts. 🙂
What a fabulous tour you’re having! I thought the Tasmanian Devils had been just about wiped out so it’s good to see they are not.
I never saw that cartoon. All I know is that my brother-in-law lives on Tassie and that’s about it. Don;t think I’d want one of those things to bite me though.
Amazing post , dear Sue!
I grew up with the same cartoons…wonder why they had them spin with Bugs Bunny? Looks like a great time…enjoy!!
I grew up with the same cartoons and was so sad to learn that they do not spin, but the way you described their eating behavior, they probably could if they wanted to show off! Lol
I am definitely of the Looney tunes generation- best cartoons ever- and I remember my shock when I first learned what a true Tasmanian devil looked like. Someone over in the art department must have been hallucinating-lol. Interesting to read they are endangered due to disease. Glad they have found a way to help save them!
Tasmania has suffered a great loss with the dwindling of this species. I am glad you and Dave got to see some, Sue, and I hope their captive breeding program succeeds. Great post!
TOTALLY WILD!!! Love this, haven’t seen a Tassie Devil since I was a child, and I didn’t dare get that close. My parents always warned about them being one volatile animal. But cool you got see them, not sure how much longer they will be around.
Anna hopefully with the work of sanctuaries breeding in Tasmania they can be saved. I can totally understand why your parents wouldn’t let you get too close. I could hardly believe how ferocious they were!
Gosh, I have missed your recent posts! 😕
Amy just before we went to Australia we switched to a self hosted site. Our amazing son took care of all of the details and the new design of the blog. If you have been receiving email notifications for posts you would need to re-subscribe. I think my posts still show up in WP Reader. Apologies for not giving notice on that aspect. Thanks ever so much for the visit which I appreciate truly.
I love the new outlook of your blog. I re-subscribe your site. Hope it works. Thank you for letting me know, Sue! 🙂
I saw that you re-subscribed Amy so all should be good now. Thank you!
Great! Thank you for letting me know. 🙂
My pleasure!