Slow down and save our devils

Did you know that more than 350 devils are killed on roads in Tasmania every year?

Young imps (devils) leave their dens for the first time during the spring and summer season to start looking for their own places to call home. This is the time when they are most vulnerable to being killed on the roads.

The Kingborough and Huon Valley councils are supporting the Save the Tasmania Devil Program these holidays, by urging drivers to slow down, particularly from dusk to dawn when the devils are most active. Electronic road signs are being installed near Snug and Cygnet as a reminder to slow down and watch for devils, and we are encouraging all our residents to help spread the word.

Roadkill is the biggest threat to the survival of Tasmanian devils after devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). Devils use roads for food (other roadkill) and as an easy route to get around, just like humans.

With its windy roads and good devil populations, the Huon and Channel area is one of the worst areas for devil roadkill, with nearly 80 devils road-killed reported to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program since the beginning of 2018.

The Program urges people who see dead or injured devils to contact the Devil Hotline immediately, so they can collect and check the animal for signs of disease. If reporting a devil roadkill, please remember to put your safety first. Stop and observe the animal only if it is safe to do so, and never handle a Tasmanian devil.

Report sightings of road-killed Tasmanian devils (including location details and a photo if possible)​ to the Devil Hotline on 0497 DEVILS (0497 338 457), by using the Roadkill TAS App​, or by using the online reporting form.

Visit the Save the Tasmania Devil Program website for more information, how you can help, and a range of resources (including some great videos and activities for kids).

For other injured wildlife please contact the Injured and Orphaned Wildlife program on 6165 4305 during business hours, or Bonorong Wildlife Rescue on 0447 264 625 (available all hours).

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