Devils in Danger

According to this article, around half of the Tasmanian devils have died from a grotesque and apparently transmittable facial tumor. It would be a tragedy to lose such an odd animal. Here are some interesting facts about the devils from the story:

• They were originally named "devils" because the settlers who heard their screaming thought it could only come from Old Scratch himself.
• They are the size of a spaniel, but have the bite strength of a dog four times their size and can eat a quarter of their body weight in one feeding.
• When they get excited, their ears turn red.
• Finally, and oddly, according to the reporter, Sandra Blakeslee, they have "disappointing" back ends. I have no idea what Ms. Blakeslee was hoping for regarding devils' rear ends that left her disappointed.