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. The famous gape or yawn of the devil that looks so threatening, can be misleading. This display is performed more from fear and uncertainty than from aggression. Devils produce a strong odour when under stress, but when calm and relaxed they are not smelly. The devil makes a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches.