3 days ago · Possums have an unusual skill that helps protect them in the wild. Read all about what really happens when a possum plays possum.

Jun 1, 2025 · You've likely heard of the phrase "playing possum," which just goes to show how notorious opossums are for appearing as if they're dead when a predator is nearby. However, …

Jul 16, 2025 · In this article, we will explore the biology, behavior, and evolutionary significance of the opossum’s defense mechanism to provide a comprehensive understanding of why these …

1 day ago · What Happens After Playing Possum? The Secrets of Opossum Resuscitation After feigning death, opossums (North American marsupials) gradually recover from their …

1 day ago · The possum’s “playing dead” state (thanatosis) is involuntary. Find out the maximum duration and the physical signs of this defense mechanism.

Opossums are the animal most known for playing dead, and their act is a convincing one. When they feel threatened, they will growl and hiss, but if they can't escape they will play dead.

Jun 13, 2025 · Opossums cannot control when they play dead. It happens automatically as a physiological response, much like fainting is in humans, according to the San Diego Zoo. If …

Playing possum" can also mean simply pretending to be injured, unconscious, asleep, or otherwise vulnerable, often to lure an opponent into a vulnerable position.

Understanding the nature of opossum dead situations more thoroughly can shed light on their survival tactics and ecological significance. In addition to their behavioral adaptations, …

Jun 8, 2025 · The opossum doesn't "decide" to play dead; its body essentially short-circuits into this defensive state. This response can be initiated by the presence of predators like dogs, …