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Do possums play dead when they are scared?
However, the opossum, most known for playing dead, is not a dangerous animal. This action is involuntary and usually happens if the animal is frightened. When an opossum is scared, its body shuts down and the animal goes stiff, with its teeth bared, and saliva drips from its open mouth.
How long will an opossum play dead?
40 minutes to four hours
It is much more likely that the opossum will faint or “play dead” at the prospect of a confrontation. This physiological response is involuntary and automatic. The stress and shock of the encounter actually triggers a comatose state that can last anywhere from 40 minutes to four hours.
How do you know if a possum is playing dead?
Its body goes limp, its breathing appears to stop, it discharges its bowels, its tongue sticks out, and it drools. And if you poke it, the possum will not respond. By all indications, it appears to be dead. This defense mechanism is intended to confuse its attacker and allow the possum to escape.
Can you wake up a possum playing dead?
While their bravado is admirable, it’s not very difficult for most predators to overpower them. When you see the marsupial “playing possum” it’s because it’s been attacked or caught unaware. Do not dispose of the body by burial or by placing it in a dumpster where the animal cannot escape, should it wake up.
How do you keep a possum from running away?
- STEP 1: Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes.
- STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps.
- STEP 3: Apply a chemical repellent to your garden.
- STEP 3: Use electronic repellents to scare possums away.
Does playing dead work?
Fact: Playing dead will work if you’re being attacked by a mother grizzly defending her cubs. But it is the wrong thing to do if you’re being attacked by a predatory bear. If a bear attacks (particularly a black bear) in an offensive manner and physical contact is made, fight for your life.
What to do if you find a dead possum in your yard?
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator and surrender the young possums. Wear a pair of disposable plastic or rubber gloves to prevent direct skin contact with the dead possum. The possum may carry a disease and the gloves serve as a protective barrier.
Do possums really play dead?
Opossums don’t actually play dead when they’re threatened. Instead, they involuntarily enter a catatonic state. Possums, as they are commonly called, are more likely to run the other way, bare their teeth and growl in dangerous situations. While their bravado is admirable, it’s not very difficult for most predators to overpower them.
Are opossums dangerous animal?
Opossums are rarely dangerous. They are solitary animals, slow moving, and usually very docile. Opossums co actually have a full mouth full of sharp teeth and may bear their teeth if threatened. Even with those menacing looking teeth though, it is very unlikely that they would attack a person or other animals.
What do possums eat and are they dangerous?
Possums are known to eat large proportions of eucalyptus leaves , ferns , grasses , fruits , mosses , and herbs . The possum can also eat highly toxic leaves. Unlike koalas, brushtail possums are probably the only arboreal marsupials to feed on different types of plants during their foraging journey.
What is the life cycle of a possum?
Average life span: The life period of an opossum is the shortest for mammals of their size. They generally live for about 2 – 4 years. The majority are killed by predators and in road kills.