Opossums Don't "Play Dead" But Enter A Stress-Induced Coma

When severely threatened, opossums involuntarily enter a catatonic state, falling on their side, drooling, and emitting a foul smell. This unconscious reaction, lasting from minutes to hours, convinces predators they are dead and unappetizing, a truly bizarre survival mechanism.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opossum#Playing_possum

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Published: March 29, 2026
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Crazy Animals Biology Weird Fun Opossum Animal Behavior Defense Mechanism Marsupial Wildlife

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