Have you ever heard the phrase playing possum? This refers to a certain behavior of a possum (not a possum). When a possum feels threatened by an animal or human, it reacts in an unusual way. He pretends to be dead. This is very different from other animals that try to run away, freeze in place, or even become aggressive and attack. This is part of what makes this animal so interesting.
So why do possums pretend to be dead? How long do they stay on earth? Is this a good tactic against a predator attack? Read on to get answers to these questions and find out more about this mysterious marsupial.
Why do possums pretend to be dead?
Opossums don’t really pose a serious threat to other animals. An adult is 21 to 36 inches long, including the tail, and weighs 4 to 15 pounds. In short, these are small mammals. In addition, they move slowly and awkwardly, so they are unlikely to be able to avoid the threat. Pretending to be dead is the most effective way to protect yourself from predators. Most predators do not want to eat an already dead animal. So, they usually leave if they see the lifeless body of a possum on the ground.
What does a possum look like when it plays dead?
When a possum pretends to be dead, it doesn’t just fall to the ground. This mammal really looks dead! His feet curl up into tiny balls and his body stiffens. He opens his mouth as if he just took his last breath. This marsupial can even drool. In addition, its eyes become glazed, like a creature with no signs of life. The predator can sniff it, flip its body, or push it along the ground. A pretending to be dead possum will not move, stand up, or try to run.
Besides looking dead, the possum is also smells as if he was dead. When they pretend to be dead, they secrete fluid from glands near their tail. The mucous membrane gives off a rotting smell. This is another reason for the predator to move along the trail. The appearance of the dead, combined with the terrible smell, helped countless possums escape capture.
Is playing the dead the Opossum’s only defense?
No. While its ability to pretend to be dead is an effective way to combat predators, the possum has several other defenses.
When threatened by a smaller predator, the possum may emit a low roar in an attempt to scare it away. This long-tailed animal can also expose its very sharp teeth when threatened. Whether a possum growls or pretends to be dead depends on how threatened it is.
What animals are predators of possum?
Opossums live in forests and forests. Several of their predators share this habitat, including foxes, coyotes, owls, and hawks. They can also be attacked by domestic cats and dogs.
Humans also pose a threat to these animals. Possums look for food almost everywhere, including streams, fields, woodlands, garbage cans and around busy roads. When people throw things out of the car window, including pieces of fruit or pieces of sandwiches, they attract possums. They are active at night and are sometimes not visible to drivers. It is not unusual to see a crushed possum come out on the road at the wrong moment. Opossum babies are especially vulnerable to a collision with a car on the road.
Can possums control this unbalanced behavior?
No, possums have no control over whether they pretend to be dead. This is what is called an involuntary reaction. This response is triggered when a possum is cornered or chased by a predator. Some biologists describe this behavior as shock or temporary coma.
How long does a possum stay dead?
Possums can pretend to be dead for a surprisingly long time. Most people assume that the possum jumps and runs along the trail when the predator or threat is out of sight. On the contrary, a possum can be in a dead position for up to 4 o’clock! Remember that they are in a state of shock, so their body should have a chance to recover.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are opossums and possums the same animal?
No, they are not the same animal. This is one of the most common misconceptions about possums. Opossums are found in North America, particularly in the United States and southern Canada. In addition, possums live in Australia, New Zealand and China.
In terms of appearance, the possum has a grayish white fur, while the possum has a golden brown fur. The coat of the possum is tough and tough, while that of the possum is soft. Opossums can be heavier than possums. An adult possum weighs up to 9 pounds, while a possum can weigh up to 15 pounds.
One of the most important traits that distinguish these two mammals is behavior. While a possum can pretend to be dead, the possum does not respond to stress in this way.
Do possums hang upside down by their tail while sleeping?
No. This is a misconception about this animal, which probably came from cartoons depicting these animals hanging upside down. It is true that they can use their tail to grab food and hold onto branches for balance. In fact, their tail can be considered an additional limb. If this small animal hangs by its tail, then only for a moment it climbs from one branch to another.
What is the habitat of a possum?
They live in forests and forests. They nest in underground burrows, woodpiles or tree hollows. They are shy, nocturnal animals that like to hide.
Is a possum a rodent?
No. Although possums look like rodents, they are not rodents.
They are marsupials, like koalas or kangaroos. Opossums carry their cubs in a pouch until the toddler or cub is about two months old. It is the only marsupial found in North America. Other marsupials such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats live in Australia.
What is the lifespan of a possum?
You may be surprised to learn that the average lifespan of a possum is only 1-2 years. A captive opossum can live up to 4 years because it is not threatened by predators.
Are possums endangered?
No, they are not endangered. Despite such a short lifespan, possums are listed as least dangerous with a growing population. But how can this be when they live such a short life? Everything has to do with their reproductive habits.
The possum mating season lasts from January to July. The gestation period for a female is 12 to 13 days! She can give birth alive in a litter from 7 to 13 babies. Some females give birth to up to 20 cubs, but since a mother can only milk 13 cubs, not all cubs in the litter will survive. So, it is the number of baby possums that contributes to the growth of their population!