Possums often ‘play dead’ when they are cornered by a predator. You may have heard of the term “playing possum” which basically means to “play dead”. The only safe thing you can do is wait. Possums will play dead if they are threatened. Instead, they involuntarily enter a catatonic state. They usually don’t smell horrible. They are not willing to take this risk because they do not want to fall prey to the meal source that they are devouring. When frightened possums play dead and emit a smell like a rotting carcass. Opossums have a keen sense of smell that they use to find a variety of food. And they aren’t very fussy, a fact that many Moms would wish to … Possums, as they are commonly called, are more likely to run the other way, bare their teeth and growl in dangerous situations. AN OFFENSIVE ODOR SELLS THE PERFORMANCE. For example, if they feel under attack. Contrary to popular belief, opossums do not hang upside down from their tails. They may smell bad only under certain circumstances. You may have heard of the term “playing possum” which basically means to “play dead”. 0 1 0. Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. If you ever find what you think is a dead opossum, please don’t put it in a dumpster where it will surely be trapped –and WILL die– just in case it is NOT DEAD. If they cannot escape, they will fall down and play dead. They don't. They may assume that it is already dead. They show off their teeth, and since they actually have the most teeth out of any marsupial in North America, they look intimidating but if threatened they will play dead.” Interestingly opossums don’t choose when to play dead. 6. Opossums will immediately—and involuntarily—lose consciousness due to shock. They aren’t a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while. They smell about what you can imagine an animal living in the woods (or under a porch) to smell like. And when all else fails, they “play ‘possum" and act as if they are dead. As the term suggest, it came from the odd characteristic of Opossums: They literally feign death when faced with larger animals like foxes, wolves, and even humans. When you find a body, don’t handle it in a way which may cause harm or injury. Here's how to get rid of opossums. The animal which "plays dead" is actually the opossum. Most people make the mistake of referring to opossums as “possums.” Opossum “Playing Possum” You may have heard of the term “playing possum” which basically means to “play dead”. Opossums can maintain this state of thanatosis for several hours until they are certain the danger has passed. When confronted by a predator or some other animal that they feel is a danger to them, their response is to lay down on the ground and remained as still as possible, pretending to be dead. And if that doesn’t work they play dead when really scared! Possums do not play dead. This provides them with dexterity that many animals do not have. They will enlarge holes in your woodwork, tear up your insulation, and even chew through wires. They are also scavengers and eat animals hit by cars. It is an involuntary response (like fainting) rather than a conscious act. Opossums will raid gardens and trash, steal your pet's food, and take up residence in your attic, garage, or under your deck. Opossums play dead but possums, completely different animals, do not. However, they do use their tail as a fifth leg to help support their weight while climbing trees and limbs. If there is an opossum in the yard, don't worry. This practice can subject them to the same fate. The possum is an animal that many of us are familiar with. They stick their tongue’s out, they will drool, excrete urine and feces and emit a green fluid from behind their tails that makes them smell like spoiled meat. However, they do use their tail as a fifth leg to help support their weight while climbing trees and limbs. A foul odor helps to "sell the act." They would roll over, stay still, breathe slowly and even drool. An opossum will work its jaw until excessive drool forms and it is actually blowing bubbles out of its nose! Yes, the smell! Or, as it's more commonly known, they'll "play dead." In this article we are going to study how possums are dangerous to your pets or even humans. Possum is the name given to a variety of marsupials found entirely in Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. This physiological response is involuntary (like fainting), rather than a conscious act. 4. No, they do not. Contrary to popular belief, opossums do not hang upside down from their tails. Opossums don't spray a smell like skunks do, however they do emit a smell when they play dead. More than likely, however, they will faint in shock at the prospect of such a confrontation. While their bravado is admirable, it’s not very difficult for most predators to overpower them. For this reason, there are hotline tips on handling the marsupial, whether dead or not. Possums playing dead If by any chance you see them lying around immobile, don’t assume that they’re dead.

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