What nocturnal marsupial is known for 'playing possum'?

What nocturnal marsupial is known for “playing possum”? The answer is the opossum. When threatened, an opossum may enter an involuntary state of death-feigning, lying limp and motionless while appearing and smelling like a dead or seriously injured animal.

This response is more than simply pretending. A frightened opossum may close or half-close its eyes, bare its teeth, drool, slow its breathing, and release a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands. The display can discourage predators that prefer live prey. Because the reaction is largely physiological, the animal cannot simply decide to stop on command; it usually recovers after the danger passes.

The best-known species in North America is the Virginia opossum, the continent’s only marsupial and the northernmost marsupial in the world. “Opossum” is also commonly shortened to “possum” in North American English, although Australasian possums are different marsupials. Opossums are mostly nocturnal, adaptable omnivores that often live near people and feed on insects, fruit, carrion, and discarded food.