Nov 30, 2022 · While not everyone knows how to spell opossum, everybody knows they tend to play dead. A common roadkill victim, late-night drivers often see them littered on roadsides, but the question is if they are really expired, or simply acting (via A-Z Animals)?

"Playing possum" is an idiomatic phrase which means "pretending to be dead". [13] It comes from a characteristic of the Virginia opossum, which is famous for reacting with a death-like posture when threatened.

When threatened, opossums growl, hiss and bare their teeth or climb a tree to escape. If they are unable to escape, they “play possum” by falling over as if dead, curling up in a ball, opening the mouth, drooling and excreting a foul-smelling liquid from the anal glands.

Jan 24, 2023 · Opossums may play dead for a surprisingly long time. Most people assume that an opossum jumps up and runs down the trail the moment a predator or threat is out of sight. On the contrary, a possum can be in the play dead position for up to 4 hours!

Mar 9, 2025 · Although they appear lifeless, opossums playing dead are fully alert and may bite or scratch if grabbed. Attempting to handle an opossum can cause it to react defensively, potentially transmitting dangerous illnesses.

Sep 15, 2023 · What Exactly is Happening When a Possum Plays Dead? How Long Does the “Death Feigning” Last? Understanding the Stages of Tonic Immobility in Possums; Why Do Possums Resort to Playing Dead? Do Other Animals Employ This Technique? What are the Risks Associated With Playing Dead?

Why Do Opossums Play Dead? Wild animals have various defense mechanisms, and the opossum is the oddest. They play dead to avoid confrontations with predators. It is a common thing that opossums do whenever they feel cornered. Many people don’t know that this animal is not playing dead.

Mar 5, 2025 · No, a possum cannot play dead for 12 hours. The characteristic “playing dead” behavior of opossums is not a conscious act but rather an involuntary physiological response to extreme stress . This reaction, often referred to as a catatonic state , typically lasts between 40 minutes and four hours .

3 days ago · 3. Do all opossums play dead? Yes, death-feigning is a characteristic behavior of opossums (specifically, the Virginia opossum found in North America). It is a built-in defense mechanism. 4. What is the scientific term for playing dead? …

An opossum playing dead may drool, let its tongue loll from its open mouths, and excrete waste to support the illusion of sudden death. Opossums can maintain this state of thanatosis for several hours until they are certain the danger has passed.