The phrase “playing possum” describes a unique, involuntary behavior opossums exhibit when threatened. This reflex action is a defense mechanism and survival strategy, allowing them to evade predators by appearing lifeless. It is an automatic physiological shutdown triggered by intense fear, not a conscious decision.
The Distinctive Appearance of a Playing Possum
When an opossum “plays dead,” its appearance undergoes a striking transformation, mimicking a deceased animal. The animal typically collapses and lies motionless, often on its side or back, appearing limp and unresponsive. Its eyes may remain open with a fixed, glassy stare, or they might be half-closed. The mouth often hangs open, with the tongue lolling out, and sometimes saliva may foam around the mouth.
Breathing becomes extremely shallow and almost imperceptible, and the heart rate significantly slows. To further enhance the illusion of death, the opossum may release a foul-smelling, greenish fluid from glands near its anus, along with urine and feces. This pungent odor aims to deter predators who typically avoid carrion. The opossum remains unresponsive to external stimuli such as prodding or noise.
Why Possums Employ This Defense Mechanism
Opossums employ this defense mechanism, scientifically known as thanatosis or tonic immobility, as an involuntary physiological response to extreme fear or stress. This reaction is a built-in survival strategy, not a conscious choice. When faced with an inescapable threat, the opossum’s body initiates a comatose-like state. This aims to deter predators, many of whom are programmed to hunt live prey and may lose interest in an animal that appears dead.
The state of tonic immobility can persist for a variable duration, commonly between 40 minutes and four hours. During this time, while the opossum appears lifeless, it remains physiologically aware of its surroundings, waiting for the danger to pass. This adaptation provides a survival advantage by making the opossum seem unappealing to potential attackers.
What to Do When You Encounter a Playing Possum
If you encounter an opossum that appears to be playing dead, the most appropriate action is to leave the animal undisturbed and give it ample space. Since this is an involuntary response, the opossum will eventually “recover” and move on once it senses the threat has subsided. Observing from a distance allows the animal to regain its normal functions naturally without prolonging its stressful state.
It can be challenging to differentiate between an opossum playing dead and one that is genuinely injured or deceased. A truly dead opossum will eventually exhibit rigor mortis, causing its limbs to stiffen, whereas a playing opossum remains limp. Signs of actual injury, such as visible wounds, difficulty moving beyond the “playing dead” posture, or unusual behaviors like disorientation, suggest a need for intervention. If the opossum does not recover after several hours, or if there are clear signs of injury or illness, contacting local animal control or a wildlife rescue organization is advisable. It is important to avoid direct contact with any wild animal, even if it appears unresponsive.