Thylacine - The Tasmanian Tiger

The Thylacine, commonly called the Tasmanian Tiger, was classified as extinct in 1936. After the animal had been hunted as a pest for decades, the last one died in captivity in the Hobart Zoo. Like many animals native to Australia, however, the Thylacine was probably on its way out as a result of introduced species even if bounties had not gone out head-hunting. The tassie was at the top of the food chain in Australia, munching on smaller marsupials until dingos were introduced to the mainland about 1500 years ago. Dingos were better hunters and the Tasmanian tiger couldn't hold its own. On the island of Tasmania, dogs, cats, foxes, and the like were introduced much later, so the Thylacine kicked on for a bit longer down there. Since they were marsupials, the young joeys did stay in the pouch. There are frequent sightings of Thylacines, primarily in Tasmania, but also on the mainland. Cryptozoologists arms themselves with cameras and head off into the bush. No photographs have been proven 100% guaranteed legitimate, but the search continues. If you make your way to Tassie, bring a camera. Or bring your golden retriever and paint a few stripes on his back.