Drivers warned as Tasmanian devils released into the wild
Drivers have been urged to use caution as a group of Tasmanian devils are released into the wild. (AAP)
Police have urged drivers to be vigilant as more than 30 Tasmanian devils are released into the state’s north.
A group of 33 healthy Tasmanian devils will be released from captivity on Tuesday into the Stony Head region.
The ferocious critters have been immunised against deadly facial tumour disease and were raised in captivity as part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP).
Police will enforce extra patrols in the area to keep the newly released marsupials safe.
"We'd like to encourage motorists to drive to the conditions at all times, and especially at night be aware of animals on the road,” Senior Sergeant Justin Bidgood told ABC news.
The endangered species have an increased risk of becoming road kill during their first few weeks in the wild, researcher Samantha Fox said yesterday.
“The first two-to-four weeks after release are a particularly vulnerable time for the devils while they are working out where they are and dispersing away from the release site," Ms Fox said.
More than 20 devils have died on Tasmanian roads over the last 12 months.
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