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They are Marsupials, and no kin to rats at all. They are in the family of Didelphidae, and when threatened or harmed, they will "play possum", mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. The physiological response is involuntary, rather than a conscious act. Their stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away. The animal will regain consciousness after a period of minutes or hours and escape. He is not tame, but will play possum when picked up. He will be released as soon as he can fend for himself, and free to do whatever possums do.

[QUOTE="VARNYARD, post: 41875, member: 4"] They are Marsupials, and no kin to rats at all. They are in the family of Didelphidae, and when threatened or harmed, they will "play possum", mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. The lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. The physiological response is involuntary, rather than a conscious act. Their stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away. The animal will regain consciousness after a period of minutes or hours and escape. He is not tame, but will play possum when picked up. He will be released as soon as he can fend for himself, and free to do whatever possums do. [/QUOTE]

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