Opossum Coloring Sheet

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Why Do Opossums Play Dead?

Opossums have a fascinating survival behavior often called “playing possum.” When an opossum feels in danger, it suddenly collapses and appears dead. This is not a choice they think about. It is an involuntary reaction that happens.

This reaction is called thanatosis. Thanatosis is a safety response some animals use when they are in danger. Their bodies go limp and still, sometimes with eyes open, so a predator thinks they are dead and loses interest. God knew opossums would need a way to stay safe in a fallen world, and he gave them this unique protection.

What Actually Happens When an Opossum “Plays Dead”?

When an opossum goes into thanatosis, its body shows several signs all at once:

• It falls on its side, becomes stiff and still, and does not respond even if touched
• Breathing and heartbeat slow so much that they are hard to notice
• The mouth hangs open, sometimes with foamy drool, and the tongue can look blue and stick out
• It may release pee and scat with a terrible smell to keep predators away
• The eyes stay open but do not move

Even though the opossum does not choose to do this, it is still aware of what is going on.

What happens next?

After the danger passes, the opossum gets up and walks away. It is a very convincing and effective way for a possum to stay alive when a predator is nearby.

Learn more about opossums on our podcast for kids and families: