This creature, which at first glance appears to be playing dead, isn’t actually doing it on purpose.
This happens when opossums feel threatened, causing them to experience extreme stress and an increased heart rate. When their brain detects this and responds, a temporary paralysis known as catatonia occurs. While unconscious, having its mouth open and tongue hanging out makes it look even more convincing. Additionally, the foul odor coming from its mouth helps it fully mimic a dead body. Also known as a “trash cat,” the opossum has unique abilities, such as carrying up to 20 babies on its back and being completely resistant to snake venom. For this reason this creature, which at first glance appears to be playing dead
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