What nocturnal marsupial from Tasmania is known for its loud screech and powerful bite?

The nocturnal marsupial from Tasmania known for its loud screech and powerful bite is the Tasmanian devil.

The Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, is a stocky carnivorous marsupial found today mainly on the island of Tasmania. It hunts small animals and scavenges carrion, often feeding noisily with other devils. Its unsettling screeches, growls, and snarls helped inspire its name, while its large head and muscular jaws give it an exceptionally strong bite for its size.

Tasmanian devils are primarily nocturnal, although they can also be active during daylight. They have black fur, often with white patches on the chest or rump, and a strong odor that becomes more noticeable when they are frightened or excited. The species became the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial after the thylacine went extinct in 1936.

A common misconception is that the devil’s aggression means it is a dangerous predator to people. Much of its famous ferocity is displayed during competition over food. The species is endangered, largely because of devil facial tumor disease, a contagious cancer that spreads through biting.