Faking death is a common act in nature, but one that few can observe. However, the video of a curious opossum that began to “play dead” reminded us of how the most popular defense mechanism works in the animal world: thanatosis.
Opossums are very common animals in Mexico and a specimen of this species was the protagonist of an extraordinary moment. A man came across an opossum very closely in the middle of the street. When he approached it, he recognized a strange and curious behavior.
Faced with a possible threat, the opossum begins to “play dead.” In the video you can see how the animal leaves its snout ajar, extends its legs and remains motionless. Until the man approaches to touch its back, then he realizes that the animal is alive and that it simply resorted to thanatosis.
Thanatosis: the art of “playing dead”
At first glance it would seem that the opossum is lifeless, but upon closer inspection it is observed that it uses the art of “playing dead.” In nature this mechanism is known as thanatosis.
Various species use thanatosis as an instinctive defense mechanism. When faced with dangerous situations or predators, animals tend to create scenes that make them look as if they were lifeless.
For example, the opossum remains still, opens its mouth slightly, and secretes a stinking liquid that predators may recognize as the smell of decomposition. This smell helps predators stay away and prefer not to eat it.
Other species that fake their death…
Likewise, there is the collar snake, a small snake that resorts to faking death in the face of any danger. However, this species takes the mechanism very seriously, as it reproduces an entire dramatic scene with a head pose, with its tongue sticking out and expelling blood from its nose.
But that’s not all, the Philodromus shoot implements thanatosis to attract its prey. With a pose worthy of certain death, this spider tricks its victims into approaching a supposed corpse.
Thanks to this opossum we now know that not all animals will run in terror to escape danger. There are species that nature and evolution provided with particular mechanisms, although they do not always deceive everyone.