Encounter Atlas
The thylacine was a real animal: a dog-sized marsupial predator with a stiff tail, a huge gape and dark stripes across its lower back. Hunted with government bounties, it was declared extinct after the last known one died at Hobart's Beaumaris Zoo in 1936.
Sightings never stopped. In 1982 Parks and Wildlife ranger Hans Naarding said he watched one in his spotlight for several minutes in north-west Tasmania, which set off a quiet two-year government search. Ted Turner offered a reward in 1983, The Bulletin offered A$1.25 million in 2005, and trail-camera searches continue today.
Hundreds of reports have been logged since 1936, and a 2023 study argued the species may have lingered into the late 20th century. Most scientists remain unconvinced, but few extinct animals have been searched for this hard.
What witnesses report
- Dark stripes across the back and rump
- A thick, stiff tail held straight out
- A stiff, awkward gait
- A coughing bark or yap
- An enormous yawning gape
Famous cases
- 1936Last known thylacine dies
Hobart, Tasmania - 1982Hans Naarding spotlight sighting
North-west Tasmania - 2005The Bulletin $1.25 million reward
Australia
Seen the Thylacine sightings?
Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.
Report a Thylacine sightings encounter Not sure what it was?
