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

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