Jersey Devil (Mythical Realms by Safari Ltd.)

First reported in the late 18th century, the Jersey Devil (Diablus leedsi) is a rare and dangerous predatory mammal that inhabits the vast Pine Barrens of New Jersey, USA. Its secretive and savage nature combined with its frightening appearance has led to many tall tales being told about its origin, including even one about how it began as the demonic spawn of a human mother.

Here is the 2025 Safari Ltd. Jersey Devil, sent to me by the wonderful folks at Happy Hen Toys. It is sculpted in a standing pose with its long tail bent down and curling to the left in order to function as an effective third leg. The wings are unfurling, the head is cocked to look to the left, the mouth is curled in a sinister snarl, and the left arm appears to be reaching out to grab at something. Or should that be someone?

Although it usually only grows to about the size of an average human male, the Jersey Devil may occasionally achieve up to seven feet in height and 250 lbs in weight. This toy stands about 12.5 cm tall and has a wingspan of 12 cm. Its main colour is a dark brick red with plenty of dark grey wash to bring out all the detailing in its fur. The horns, muzzle, wings, claws, hooves, and scale are also dark grey. The teeth are cream white and the eyes are beige with white pupils. An accurate and fitting colour scheme.

The Devil’s head is rather like a goat’s, with a short but thick beard on its chin, relatively short, grooved horns, and a shaggy mane running down its neck. The exposed teeth are large, with pronounced canines. The large wings growing out of the shoulders have a very batlike appearance, but closer inspection reveals that they are covered in short fur. While the Jersey Devil flies at a relatively slow speed, it is capable and agile in the air, as demonstrated back in the nineteenth century when it effortlessly avoided cannonballs fired at it by the famous seaman Stephen Decatur. 

The Devil’s torso and limbs are covered entirely in short fur. It has a lean but muscular frame, with enormous four digit hands and curved claws. Its usual method of killing prey is to restrain the doomed animal with its claws, then administer a vicious bite to the neck. It feeds on whatever it can catch, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It has also been known to attack livestock and humans, although it usually prefers to remain in the woods. The Jersey Devil in turn has no natural enemies. Coyotes are included in its diet and even the largest black bears will turn and flee rather than risk a fight.

The Devil’s legs are very long and terminate in large, cloven hooves. The powerful tail, tufted at its tip, is furry on the dorsal side and covered in a row of heavy scales on the ventral side. The Devil will sometimes use its tail to strike or strangle large prey such as whitetail deer. As to the gender of this toy, we cannot be certain. Nothing is known about the physical differences between males and females, nor of their mating and rearing habits, nor their longevity. Even after more than two centuries, the Jersey Devil remains for the most part an unsolved mystery. 

You’ll pardon the pun, but this is a devilishly delightful toy, one that is sure to please any cryptid fan. Strongly recommended. Keep ‘em coming, Safari! And thanks again to Happy Hen Toys, which currently has the Jersey Devil in stock.