The Warner Bros character commonly called Taz is probably the world’s most recognisable fictional “Tasmanian”. First appearing in the 1950s, the spinning, ravenous character borrowed a name and a few exaggerated traits from the real Tasmanian devil.

The screen character was built for comic chaos

Animator Robert McKimson created the character for Warner Bros cartoons. A growling voice, huge appetite and destructive spin made the animal instantly legible in short comedy. Those devices belong to animation, not wildlife observation.

Real devils are scavenging marsupials

Tasmanian devils are stocky, mostly nocturnal marsupials. Their loud communal feeding and powerful jaws can sound aggressive, but they generally avoid people. They do not travel as tornadoes and should never be fed for a photograph.

Fame has not removed the conservation threat

Devil facial tumour disease caused severe population declines after it was identified in the 1990s. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program combines monitoring, research and insurance populations. A familiar cartoon name can open a conversation, but conservation information should come from wildlife authorities.

Our Tasmania does not reproduce copyrighted character artwork. This page documents cultural influence using licensed photographs of the real species. Continue with the Tasmanian wildlife guide and responsible wildlife viewing.