Defense
Mechanism |
Description |
Picture |
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"Playing 'possum" |
The
opossum has an involuntary comatose-like state induced by
extreme fear. Predators find “the kill” part of the stimulus
to eat; therefore, an inert opossum does nothing to excite their
appetite, and they will leave it alone. Somehow the opossum’s
body knows when the danger has passed, and the opossum “comes
to” again. Nature’s mystery! |

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Drooling
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An
opossum will work its jaw until excessive drool forms and it is
actually blowing bubbles out of its nose! Heavy drooling causes
a predator to think the opossum is sick and consequently
unappetizing. |

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Alligator-mouth
|
Even
before opossums have teeth, they will gape their mouth in a
threatening manner. (The babies do not realize that this is only
impressive when they finally have teeth!) This act alone will
keep many predators (including humans) at bay. |

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Anal gland fluid
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Fear
can cause release of a greenish-colored anal fluid. Opossums
cannot “spray”, and the only way this unpleasant-smelling
body fluid can come in contact with you is if your clothes brush
the anal area. It washes off easily. |
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