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An animal that "plays possum" goes into a state of physiological suspension whereupon it appears to be quite dead. This is a defence mechanism to avoid being attacked by a predator.
(The term should actually be "playing opossum" as this behaviour is shown by North American opossums, not true possums of the Oceania region.)
Opossums also have very sharp teeth which can inflict severe bites on domestic animals. Sometimes, they will release a strong, musky scent which is repellant to other animals. Generally, however, they prefer to play dead or run away.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoA possum's only defence is its sharp claws and teeth, and a loud and angry hiss when cornered. Apart from that, it tries to escape predators by climbing. It is a very agile creature, able to jump and climb, including hanging upside down by its feet as it runs along cables and wires.
A possum also uses camouflage, staying still so that predators cannot easily spot it.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago*Possums (a generally Australian marsupial) should not be confused with opossums, (Western Hemisphere marsupials) which are very different creatures and so have different defence mechanisms (it is the opossum that "plays dead" to deter predators).
A possum's only defence is its sharp claws and teeth, and a loud and angry hiss when cornered. Apart from that, it tries to escape predators by climbing. It is a very agile creature, able to jump and climb, including hanging upside down by its feet as it runs along cables and wires. A possum also uses camouflage, staying still so that predators cannot easily spot it.
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How porcupines defend themselves?
Porcupines defend themselves with their quills.
How do porcupine defend themselves?
Porcupines defend themselves with their quills.
How do worms defend themselves?
They defend themselves by releasing disgusting slime when attacked.
Why are possums so aggressive?
Possums are not aggressive and they do not attack. True possums - the marsupials found in many parts of Australia - are docile creatures and just want to be left alone. If trapped, like any other animal, they become scared for their life and will defend themselves, but they do not attack. Possums are quite different creatures to opossums.
How do yaks defend themselves?
They run away from predators or may defend themselves using their horns.
How Do Alaskan malamutes defend themselves?
Probably how most dogs defend themselves; By biting and growling and snarling.
How do clown fish defend themselves?
They don't really defend themselves. They hide in aneomes and swim away.
How does a mountain pygmy possum defend itself?
they hide in their trees and make a srceehing sound to call other possums .
How do woodpeckers defend themselves?
they defend themselves by staying near other birds or using their sharp beak as a chisel .
How do wedge tailed eagles defend themselves?
wedge tail eagle can defend themselves by using there claws and beak
Can baby tigers defend themselves?
baby tigers can noy defend themselves because their weak and only small.
What do baby possums eat when mother has died?
They learn to fend for themselves or die.
