diff --git a/tests/unit/test_nwbzarrio.py b/tests/unit/test_nwbzarrio.py
index 10a98802..237df618 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_nwbzarrio.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_nwbzarrio.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def write_test_file(self):
         )
 
         # Create a device
-        device = nwbfile.create_device(
+        _ = nwbfile.create_device(
             name="array", description="the best array", manufacturer="Probe Company 9000"
         )
         with NWBZarrIO(path=self.filepath, mode="w") as io: