How does 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. Email: info wildliferemovalusa. Why do Opossums play dead? Opossums play dead for a number of reasons, just the way they use their tails to trick their predators and support their bodies while climbing on trees.

The oddest thing you can find these animals do is to play dead, especially when they are faced with some unwanted situations. Homeowners who come across seemingly dead opossums should never attempt to handle the pests. Although they appear lifeless, opossums playing dead are fully alert and may bite or scratch if grabbed, which can spread dangerous illnesses like rabies, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and spotted fever. 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. In some northern states, the animals survive frostbite on their tails and ears when they appear in the spring.

Sign up for our Newsletter and get weird news and exclusive offers to Ripley's, delivered straight to your inbox! I absalutly HATE possoms 1. I think that this is all a VERY good reason not to like these creatures. They are absolutely harmless cats stay away from them and vice versa. All our chicken kills come from owls and racoons. In fact cats have a weird bond with opossum, it is not uncommon to see a cat and opossum eating out of the same food bowl. The marsupials down under were named after the American animal.

I love them…they cleanup the spilled cat food outside and lick the dishes clean! So no flies collect. I feel they are a very misunderstood animal. I feel cute and helpful little fellows.