https://youtu.be/lif0qnlMRdA
In the face of danger, opossums go into a catatonic state or playing dead, in self-defense. A nocturnal marsupial, they can recognizable by their pointed snout and rodent like tail. They are solitary creatures living in areas near bogs and marshes. Opossums are omnivores and change their diets as the season’s changes. They eat fruits, seeds, grains, insects, earthworms, birds, and frogs but will eat road kill, garbage, and pet food when available. They are regarded as pests because will knock over garbage cans looking for food, pillage gardens, damage lawns and their feces can contribute to the spread of disease like leptospirosis, tularemia, and rabies. To prevent an opossum infestation: use garbage cans with secure tops and don’t leave pet food outside at night and similar to skunks – mesh any openings under decks and porches.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/catatonic-opossum-randy-bilesky?published=t
http://www.delta-optimist.com/opinion/blogs/blog-catatonic-opossum-1.7644397