Do possums go unconscious when they play dead?

Do possums go unconscious when they play dead?

Description. Playing dead is an involuntary response on the part of the opossum. The stress of the confrontation facing the opossum causes him to go into shock. This shock induces a comatose state that can last from 40 minutes to four hours.

How long can a possum play dead for?

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.

Can you wake up a possum playing dead?

They can’t simply wake up out of this comatose state whenever danger has passed either. They are basically stuck like that for as long as their body remains in that state. They can’t choose how long or even when their body flops into this “dead” state. Have you ever seen an opossum “play dead” before?

Do possums feel pain when playing dead?

The animal doesn’t feel any pain and has no reflexes when this occurs. It even stops blinking its eyes. A possum won’t respond no matter what a predator does, even if swats, bites or breaks the possum’s bones. Most predators will give up on prey that plays possum.

Why does a dead animal smell worse at night?

The scientific reason for the bad smell is the combination of chemicals including sulfur dioxide, methane, benzene derivatives and multiple hydrocarbons manufactured as the dead animal starts decaying.

Do possums sleep in the same place every night?

Possums are not like birds and do not sleep in the branches of the trees. They are like other mammals that make dens in different places on the ground, and they curl up and sleep there, protected by their den. However, female possums with young will use the same den for several weeks.

What do possums do at night?

Night time – especially the first half, when they are active and searching for food. Possums rest during the day. Nest boxes – as tree hollows are in short supply. Nest boxes encourage possums to nest outside, instead of in your roof.

How is an opossum supposed to play dead?

However, if this fails, opossums close their eyes, fall onto their side, and play dead. An opossum playing dead may drool, let its tongue loll from its open mouths, and excrete waste to support the illusion of sudden death. Opossums can maintain this state of thanatosis for several hours until they are certain the danger has passed.

Why does a possum not respond when you poke it?

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.

Why does a possum stop blinking its eyes?

“Playing possum” isn’t an act; it’s an involuntary reaction to a threat. The animal doesn’t feel any pain and has no reflexes when this occurs. It even stops blinking its eyes. A possum won’t respond no matter what a predator does, even if swats, bites or breaks the possum’s bones.

What happens when a possum is threatened by a dog?

If it feels threatened by a dog, fox, owl or other animal, it drops to the ground and either closes its eyes or stares off into space. 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.