Chicagoist: Awesome Possum

Editor at Large

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:30:04 -0600

From the Wiki Encylopedia: When threatened or harmed, they will "play possum", mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. The physiological response is involuntary, rather than a conscious act. Their stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away. The animal will regain consciousness after a period of minutes or hours and escape. Many injured opossums have been killed by well-meaning people who find a catatonic animal and assume the worst. Bon Appétit!

El Thirdrail

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:32:10 -0600

Albanyparkour: That's what I thought... it might have been reacting to the dog's presence.

Albanyparkour

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:57:41 -0600

Is it possible it was playing dead because of the dog?

Marcus Gilmer

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:40:03 -0600

Spook - no whining. you were warned. I suggest a salad instead.

Spook

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:34:28 -0600

Sooooo I was gonna talk about having once ate possum stew cooked by my Aunt Merk. The I saw the picture. Thanks Chicagoist for ruining my dinner!