The Tricky Opossums🐾

[Kurt]

Did you know that opossums have a unique defense mechanism? When threatened, they can enter a state of “playing dead” or "playing possum," where they collapse and appear lifeless. This can last for several minutes to a few hours. While in this state, they might drool, emit a foul odor from their anus, and even have their tongue hanging out to make the act more convincing. This strategy helps them avoid predators, as many animals prefer not to eat something that appears dead and potentially diseased.

 

[Muichiro.T]

Opossums are total pros at faking their own demise to dodge predators—drooling, stinking, and even sticking out their tongues, they really commit to the bit!