This story was in reply to a query, as to how to stop possums getting up into fruit trees, (in Tasmania!).. especially ones with fruit attached, that said possums were rather partial to. I made the mistake of answering..smear devil fat around the base of the tree..my dad used to swear by it. The next query was..where do I get devil fat from?

How to obtain devil fat
tongue firmly in cheek btw
unless you are a nefarious person with access to a gun and ammunition..I mean, who would shoot a devil really..poor things have that dreadful disease..or perhaps thats a good enough reason..anyway, the answer is
ROAD KILL!
Mind you, you’re not going to find much in the way of road kill in the middle of the Tasman bridge in Hobart, so we might have to go out of town a bit..
Now , a fresh devil is to be preferred..well, come to think of it, perhaps one that a bit on the smelly side might be better..we are looking to keep away various fruit loving critters aren’t we?
So, we obtain said dead devil.
Here, I have to say, the possession of a member of Tasmanias protected fauna, alive and or especially dead, would probably make one liable for all sorts of dreadful fines and withdrawal of hitherto enjoyed liberty…
Anyway, take the blighter back home. Here we let the inner butcher come out – get rid of skin and innards, that sort of thing..well, actually, pieces of skin and fur may very well do the trick, tied around said valued fruit trees..
then we cook him up.
I wouldn’t do it in the kitchen, or use the wife’s favourite crock pot..
Out in the paddock is the best option,..use half a metal oil drum for example, put remains in and plenty of water. Put on a fire, let him stew for..1/2 a day maybe. Collect the fat that rises to the top, and smear liberally around bases of said valued fruit trees.
Easy squeezy!
Actually, anything strong/pungent should do the trick. something like ammonia or linament, something that would hang around for a while…might even put off those pesky lads down the street too..

The reply I got was pure gold..along the lines of..haha Billis, you are so funny..if you think Im going to go through all that youve got another think coming..