:) Thanks for your time, Becky As for the opossum, it is a form of defense. He kneels down to confirm that the animal isn’t just playing dead. Possums do not play dead. It may even appear that rigor mortis has begun. Make sure that a possum is really dead before disposing of it. Opossums can maintain this state of thanatosis for several hours until they are certain the danger has passed. An opossum playing dead may drool, let its tongue loll from its open mouths, and excrete waste to support the illusion of sudden death. Often seen as a pest and accused of everything from knocking over garbage cans to killing chickens, these quiet marsupials are rarely a threat and easily sent on their way. Generally, the ears will start to wiggle when the opossum is about to revive. Possums do not play dead. Opossums can maintain this state of thanatosis for several hours until they are certain the danger has passed. My dogs were in my backyard and I heard them barking and I checked on them and I saw the possum laying on the ground. Make sure that a possum is really dead before disposing of it. "When a possum is threatened, it initially responds by hissing and baring its teeth, but further stimulation triggers an involuntary response that puts the animal in a near-coma state. While "dead," the opossum's body is limp, it's front feet form into balls and drool runs out of its mouth. Please do not immediately place the opossum in a plastic bag or garbage can. Doglover123 11 months ago . So i went outside to check what was up and i found him in the compost with an opossum lying in a dead position next to him. How do you tell if an opossum is playing dead or actually IS dead!!???!!!!!? This could be done for defense or aggressive reasons. It's pretty neat. A dead possum will just lie there, and death is obvious. so it's the night-time and i let my dog out to go to the bathroom, and he wouldn't come back. Possum is the name given to a variety of marsupials found entirely in Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. They will appear dead. He pulls his car over near the mound of flesh and fur, slips on a pair of white rubber gloves, gets out and looks both ways. If it is playing dead, it will actually be in a mock paralysis state, leaving it mostly safe to move. If the opossum is still breathing or warm to the touch, it is alive. Possums do not play dead. my dog is a terrier, so he goes for anything that moves. Possums often ‘play dead’ when they are cornered by a predator. This is what is referred to as playing dead. Opossums get a bum rap. Tonic immobility, or Apparent death is an animal behavior where the animal mimics death. However, if this fails, opossums close their eyes, fall onto their side, and play dead. It’s breathing. However, if this fails, opossums close their eyes, fall onto their side, and play dead. Possums do not play dead. The animal which "plays dead" is actually the opossum. "Playing possum" can also mean simply pretending to be injured, unconscious, asleep, or otherwise vulnerable, often to lure an opponent into a vulnerable position him or herself. What to do about opossums. It may take anywhere from a few minutes up to 4 hours. Playing dead is an involuntary response on the part of the opossum. The animal which "plays dead" is actually the opossum. Thanks If found then leave the area, put dogs in the house and give the opossum a chance to recover. Possums have no control over when they play dead or for how long they do it: The comatose-like state is an involuntary reaction triggered by … Adapted from the book Wild Neighbors . [44] Thanatosis has also been observed in some invertebrates such as the wasp Nasonia vitripennis , … Possums playing dead If by any chance you see them lying around immobile, don’t assume that they’re dead. How do you tell if an opossum is playing dead or actually IS dead!!???!!!!!? So to see it in person was pretty amazing! The stress of the confrontation facing the opossum causes him to go into shock. When an opossum feels cornered, it may hiss, bite or growl depending on the situation at hand. Why Do Opossums Play Dead? Possums often ‘play dead’ when they are cornered by a predator. Opossums do. Possums playing dead If by any chance you see them lying around immobile, don’t assume that they’re dead. Share. Possum is the name given to a variety of marsupials found entirely in Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. The opossum is best known for "playing possum" or "playing dead. Opossums do. Many opossums will “play ‘possum” when extremely frightened. An opossum playing dead may drool, let its tongue loll from its open mouths, and excrete waste to support the illusion of sudden death. Just wondering if a possum with rabies (early or later stages) play dead, or if they are too crazy to play dead and just want to fight.