198K views · 29K reactions | Richard is an awesome opossum Ever heard the phrase, "playing possum?" For an opossum, this is a catatonic defense mechanism in the face of danger. It is completely involuntary and makes them appear sick or dead. It's more like fainting from fear than pulling a prank on a potential predator. You won't be seeing Richard in a haunted house anytime soon. | San Diego Zoo | Facebook

You've likely heard the phrase "playing possum" for playing dead, but have you ever actually seen an opossum playing possum? Opossums use playing dead as a defense mechanism. It's involuntary, and the marsupials can't control when or for how long they actually play possum. Our Natural Resources Director Ben Haberthur shot this video at a southern Kane County forest preserve. | Forest Preserve District of Kane County

This guy discovered a possum playing dead and documented exactly why this happens We take a closer look at the fascinating life of a possum and the causes of these animals playing dead. | VT

500K views · 14K reactions | A motorist pulled over to help rescue a terrified possum stuck in the middle of the Cross Island Parkway in New York City on Saturday afternoon. The possum was taken to a licensed wildlife rehab center for treatment. | ABC News | Facebook