Animals that play dead to survive

Virginia Opossum This animal is the only marsupial native to the United States and Canada, and they are frequently referred to as possums even though they belong to a completely different genus.

Texas Indigo Snake They are not venomous nor are they constrictors, and they have to rely on their muscular jaws to overpower and swallow their meals head first.

Duck Researchers have documented that 29 out of 50 different wild ducks played dead when exposed to captive red foxes. This immediate collapse at least gives the duck a fighting chance should the fox lower its guard.

Lemon Shark If the lemon shark is turned onto its back, then it will not only play possum but also begin to exhibit labored breathing and the occasional tremor.

Rabbit Both domesticated rabbits and those in the wild have exhibited thanatosis, but this is not entirely surprising considering their status as prey animals.

Pygmy Grasshopper They completely freeze just like the other members of our list, but in addition, they also splay their legs out as far as possible in all directions and make them stiff.

Redback Spider The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a close cousin of the black widow spider, and they are equally deadly to humans.

Eastern Hognose Snake The eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is the second snake to make our list, and this one does a much better job of selling the act.

Antlion This antlion was recorded by researchers having played possum for 61 minutes. All antlion species feign death, but that level of commitment to the tactic deserves a mention of its own.