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Scientists Rush to Save Tasmanian Devils
Experts estimate that half of the Tasmanian devil population has died from Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) — a communicable cancer that is spread when the animals bite each other. The cancer swells and mutilates the face to the point that it prevents the animals from eating. Above, a Tasmanian devil is released into the wild after being captured to check for signs of DFTD.
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Tasmanian Devils are dying from an unusual communicable cancer, which is apparently spread when animals bite one another. Researchers are exploring ways to save them — including moving healthy animals to islands where there are currently no Tasmanian devils.
Dr. Steven Smith, head of the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease Program, tells Melissa Block that researchers estimate that half of the population of devils has died.
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