They can’t choose when they “play dead”

“Playing dead”, sometimes known as "playing possum", is one of the most well-known behaviors of opossums. The fact that the opossum is not amusing itself indicates that this is real and that some sort of purpose is at play.

An opossum will frequently hiss or show its teeth when threatened or, more likely, run. However, if a predator surprises it, it will become catatonic. In essence, it passes out and becomes unconscious. This is an involuntary action that the opossum has no control over.

The opossum does indeed seem to be dead. It appears to be grinning deathly, exposing its teeth. Its anus releases a vile fluid with a rotten, cadaverous odor.

This death-feigning tactic carries several dangers. The opossum is asleep. There is therefore no way out if the predator chooses to continue biting the opossum. It is frequently suggested as the cause of the high number of opossums that are found dead on roads. The opossum will stay asleep in this state for a few minutes to several hours.