Why possum play dead

If it only pretended to be dead, there are still a few predators that would have the courage to feed on it. However, producing the smelly substance from its anus discourages many predators from eating it. This is meant to deceive predators into thinking the body is already rotting. Foxes or coyotes do not have the appetite to eat such an unsavory meal. They move forward and search for a better smelling animal to prey on. The opossum may not be the best-looking animals in the universe, but they have adapted excellently to predators.

Are opossums dangerous to humans? Find out in this article I wrote. Threatened opossums growl loudly and deeply. They continue to raise the pitch of these sounds as a predator approaches.

They also have sharp teeth that they will use to bite. There are instances when opossums defecate on predators as a way of discouraging them from attacking. Baby opossums have not adapted well to try playing dead. Their brains are not well developed for this involuntary physiological response.

In many instances, baby opossums fail to play dead, falling prey to predators. Playing dead is often linked to opossums. It is a common opossum characteristic that many people know about. However, this behavior is not unique to only the opossum. Several other animals use this survival tactic. Some species of ducks also use this to evade predators, along with the hognose snake. These animals are quite resistant to rabies and snake venom.

Opossums feed on snakes regularly, immune to venom. They are immune to venom from almost every type of snake except for the coral snake. You are unlikely to encounter an opossum that has rabies.

This is attributed to their lower body temperatures. With a lower risk of rabies, you would assume that most opossums would die a natural death. Their seemingly odd behavior of playing dead may save them from predators, but, unfortunately, does not save them from collisions with vehicles. Many end up getting run over and dying. Being hit by a vehicle is a common way these animals meet their demise.

There are many times people bury opossums alive after assuming they are dead. If you find an apparently dead opossum or an injured one, leave it in a quiet place that has a clear exit path. The best way to get rid of opossums is to contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control. Our teams of trained professionals are equipped to safely handle and remove troublesome opossums before they cause problems in yards or homes.

Learn more about Oppossum Removal. Opossum Playing Dead. Why Do Opossums Play Dead? Goatlips June 25, at am — Reply. Kassie essen April 17, at pm — Reply. Tabitha June 30, at pm — Reply.

Bj Stoner April 30, at pm — Reply. Anonymous June 3, at pm — Reply. Jeff Thompson June 16, at pm — Reply. Jonathan Behr July 31, at pm. Anonymous October 27, at pm — Reply. Mary J Hunt April 20, at am — Reply. Myself May 15, at am. Anonymous April 8, at am — Reply. Boy-o May 22, at pm — Reply. Anonymous December 25, at pm — Reply. Anonymous March 21, at pm — Reply. Mousse March 23, at pm — Reply. Our Siamese cat would eat from the same dish, at the same time, as a baby opossum.