“We think these devils may be able to see the cancer cells as foreign and mount an immune response against them,” lead researcher Kathy Belov told reporters.

The ornery marsupial carnivores have spread the fast-killing cancer across many parts of Tasmania by biting each other’s faces during normal, but violent sparring. Infection soon leads to grotesque facial tumors that eventually restrict the devil’s ability to feed.

Approximately 70 percent of the island’s total devil population has already been affected.

A scheme to stop the disease’s spread was proposed over a year ago that involved the construction of a fence across western parts of the island, similar to the rabbit-proof fences used on the mainland.

The genetically unique and immune colony offers hope that the animals won’t be entirely wiped out by the devil cancer.

Photo: Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service