They move forward and search for a better smelling animal to prey on. The opossum may not be the best-looking animals in the universe, but they have adapted excellently to predators. Are opossums dangerous to humans?
Find out in this article I wrote. Threatened opossums growl loudly and deeply. They continue to raise the pitch of these sounds as a predator approaches. They also have sharp teeth that they will use to bite. There are instances when opossums defecate on predators as a way of discouraging them from attacking. Baby opossums have not adapted well to try playing dead. Their brains are not well developed for this involuntary physiological response.
In many instances, baby opossums fail to play dead, falling prey to predators. Playing dead is often linked to opossums. It is a common opossum characteristic that many people know about. However, this behavior is not unique to only the opossum.
Several other animals use this survival tactic. Some species of ducks also use this to evade predators, along with the hognose snake. These animals are quite resistant to rabies and snake venom. Opossums feed on snakes regularly, immune to venom.
They are immune to venom from almost every type of snake except for the coral snake. You are unlikely to encounter an opossum that has rabies. This is attributed to their lower body temperatures. With a lower risk of rabies, you would assume that most opossums would die a natural death. Their seemingly odd behavior of playing dead may save them from predators, but, unfortunately, does not save them from collisions with vehicles.
Many end up getting run over and dying. Being hit by a vehicle is a common way these animals meet their demise. There are many times people bury opossums alive after assuming they are dead. If you find an apparently dead opossum or an injured one, leave it in a quiet place that has a clear exit path.
Once it regains consciousness, the animal will discreetly escape. You may be surprised when you go back later, and it is not there. Refrain from burying a limp opossum or throwing it in a garbage can. Handle it with care to avoid inflicting any injuries on the unconscious animal. Opossums are susceptible to predators, plus such include, coyotes, dogs and foxes.
When an Opossum is finally cornered, it will start hissing, growling, and may bite when provoked beyond what it can bear. Opossums are constant victims of fast-speeding cars. Opossums can play dead for between few seconds and several minutes, depending on the types of predator or danger they are confronted with.
Playing dead is regarded as an instinctive response from an Opossum, as the prospect of facing danger can send the animal into a temporary shock. The shock experience by the animal will induce the animal to go into a comatose that may last for between 40 minutes or more than 3 hours. The best way to get rid of opossums is to contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control. Our teams of trained professionals are equipped to safely handle and remove troublesome opossums before they cause problems in yards or homes.
Learn more about Oppossum Removal. Opossum Playing Dead. Why Do Opossums Play Dead?
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