What's The Reason That Opossums Play Dead?

Opossums and Playing Dead

Playing dead is a common trait of the opossum. Television, movies, books, and all other media have played on it in some way. How much do you really know about it, though?

Playing dead, for an opossum, is not as simple as falling to the ground quickly to confuse a predator. There might not even be a predator around when they do it.

The exact reason for it, and what happens during, is something everyone should know. If you ever deal with opossums in the future, it can help you to figure out whether it is actually dead and what you should do.

This is invaluable information for anyone who has any type of run in with this animal.



When They Play Dead

Yes, the opossum does turn on its back, with its feet in the air, when it plays dead. That is an image most people understand and see, and is true to reality.

When the opossum goes on its back, its feet will ball up and it will appear, to most, to be dead. It does a great job of mimicking a dead animal in appearance.

It will even begin to drool and go limp. Humans and other animals will easily mistake this for a dead animal, and oftentimes do.

There is even a smell that goes along with the trick. The opossum will create an odor of decay to scare away animals that might try to eat it. They will smell the awful odor and immediately leave the opossum alone, assuming it is rotting.

The opossum may go into a false state of rigor mortis, adding to the overall look. It is no wonder so many people mistake the animal as actually dead.

Why They Play Dead

The reasoning behind it is simple: fear. The opossum does not choose to go into this state willingly; it does so out of fear. When in a situation where the opossum assumes its life is at risk, it will pretend to be dead.

It has no control over this or when it comes out. It may remain in this state for several hours before waking back up.

If you find an opossum that appears to be dead, the best option is to leave it alone. If it is in the road, you can remove it, without harming it, and set it on the side.

Even if you cannot tell whether it is truly dead or not, it is best to leave the animal alone.

Opossums do not like confrontation. Instead of getting violent, the fear overcomes them and they pretend to be dead. It is their way of protecting themselves.


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