Little Devils

After a few days of sailing, we arrived in Tasmania, and it was good to get our feet back on solid land once again.

I liked this country and our first stop was "Russell Falls". It was a short hike through the lush tropical forest and we saw our first wildlife. There were Wallabies everywhere as we slowly moved through the forest and listened to the birds singing in the tree tops.

It's been really, really, dry here this summer and there was hardly ANY water cascading down the rock face of the falls.

As we drove around towards Hobart, and returned to the city, we stopped at a "wildlife sanctuary" that cared for misplaced and injured animals. We saw Kiwi, Kangaroos, and the famous Tasmanian Devils.

The Tasmanian Devil's only survive and thrive here in this country, but they're VERY endangered now, due to a "CANCER" that attacks the facial area of the animal. This place was very PROUD of their "devils" and were successful at breeding a few, with the hopes of producing new animals that might be "immune" to this terrible disease.

They're sort of "cute" when young, but don't let their appearance fool you. As they become mature they're quite viscous.

I've heard few sounds as disturbing, as their voices, when they're agitated and defending their territory.

I wish we could have stayed longer to observe them more closely and maybe get a "sound clip" of their hisses, spits, growls, and shrieking amongst themselves.

I've watched the TV cartoons of their antics and I'd have to say, they're accurately portrayed as a whirlwind of energy to be take very seriously. These little guys have "six times" the bite of a Pit Bull. They can sure do a number on you, if put in the "defense mode".

Like any rare, wild animal, I hope a cure can be discovered for the "Cancer" that is quickly destroying these unique creatures! There's no cure (as of today) and thier species is on the verge of destruction.