Young are weaned at 5 or 6 months of age, and are thought to have left the mother and be living alone in the bush by late December. They probably start breeding at the end of their second year. The devil is mainly a scavenger and feeds on whatever is available. Reptiles, amphibians, insects and even sea squirts have been found in the stomachs of wild devils. Carcasses of sheep and cattle provide food in farming areas.
Devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses.
This can help reduce the risk of blowfly strike to sheep by removing food for maggots. During the day it usually hides in a den, or dense bush. It usually ambles slowly with a characteristic gait but can gallop quickly with both hind feet together. Young devils are more agile however and can climb trees. Although not territorial, devils have a home range.